Precautions on Parcel Contents

Precautions

We cannot accept parcels that have contents of a combined value exceeding US $50, 000.
We cannot accept parcels that are addressed to a P.O. box (post office box), APO (army post office box), FPO (field post office box), hotel, lodge, school or school dormitory.
We cannot accept personal items (sent separately) in conjunction with moving house.
Pearls and pearl products can only be accepted for destinations in the continental United States (Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan are excluded).
When sending textile products to the United States, a textile visa is required when clearing local import customs. (Not necessary for gifts between individuals and textiles which are displayed as samples and have a hole punched in the fabric.)
A "packing list" is required when sending multiple parcels to China and Taiwan.
Failure to attach a packing list will result in parcels being delayed at customs.
Depending on the description of goods, there may be items which are classified as prohibited goods and cannot be accepted, or permits/certificates may be required in Japan or the destination country.

Suspension of Food Imports to America

In order to protect American citizens from bioterrorism, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strengthened import restrictions for food products, beverages and animal feed.

As of July 1 2004, UPS has stopped accepting food products, beverages and animal feed in parcels which pass through the United States en route to destination countries/regions such as the Americas, Europe and Africa. This decision was made because UPS concluded that there was a high probability of trouble during shipping.

Products suspended from export to America Detailed description of products
Food products All food products (including perishables, processed foods, snack foods, seasonings, etc.)
Beverages All beverages (including liquids, tea leaves, powdered beverages, etc.)
Animal feed All items used as animal feed for all pets and livestock
  • *Currently, UPS ships parcels to the Americas, Europe and Africa via the United States. Therefore, these items can only be exported to Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. For information on countries which food products cannot be exported to, please contact the UPS Customer Service Center (0120-74-2877).
  • *The acceptance of food products (as well as beverages and animal feed) sent as gifts from one individual to another individual was resumed on November 17, 2004.
    Please write "Gift Shipment" on the invoice.

Items Where Export Documents should be Obtained

Items requiring export permits or parameters which states that they are not subjected to laws and regulations

Military-related items Cells, DNA, reagents, aircraft/marine vessel parts, etc.
Nuclear-related products Inverters, pressure measuring instruments, measurement equipment, etc.
Chemical substances and chemical equipment Valves, pumps, multi gas detector, etc
Bacterial agents Viruses, bacteria, DNA, etc.
Rocket-related materials Composite materials, synthetic graphite, carbon fiber, accelerometers, gyroscopes
Cutting-edge materials Polyimide products, alloy-related items, lubricant, ceramic products
Machine tools Ball bearings, spindles, etc.
Electronics Integrated circuits (IC)*, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, silicon wafers, etc.
Computers Office computers, workstations etc.
Communication-related products Network devices, optical fibers, etc.
Encryption devices Internet browsers, etc.
Optical system equipment Photoelectric detectors, mirrors, lasers, transmitters, radars, etc.
Navigation-related products Accelerometers, GPS, gyroscopes, etc.
Marine equipment Underwater cameras, etc.
  • *About integrated circuits (IC)
    A parameter sheet is not required when manufacturers declare that the IC in question is not subjected to the listed issued by the Center for Information on Security Trade Control.

When sending the items (partially restricted items) listed above, an export permit is required.
Please acquire an export permit by applying to the METI Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau.
When not applicable, it is necessary to show evidence (with a parameter sheet, which is a certificate of proving non-applicability).
Please use parameter sheets issued by the Center for Information on Security Trade Control.
When clearing customs, attach the original parameter sheet to the invoice as proof. (Copies are not acceptable.)

Countries Which Require a Certificate of Origin When Sending Textile Products.

Items requiring export permits or parameters which list content that are not subject to laws/regulations

Ireland The Netherlands Germany
Argentina The Canary Islands Norway
England Greece Finland
Italy Spain France
Austria Denmark Belgium

In some cases, a certificate for place of origin may be required even for certain items or goods other than textile products.

Reimporting Repaired Products

  • *When items are required to be sent overseas for repair, please note that customs fees cannot be reduced or waived when reimporting items back into Japan.