Small package international shipping can be so much easier than you might think. The task of shipping a small package internationally is all about understanding the associated rules, regulations, and risks.

With Kokusai Japan, you can ship and transport whatever you want, from small packages to heavy lift cargo. We provide all services for small package delivery by air and sea.  Of course, before you decide to ship to or from Japan, you need to read our small package international shipping tips. They will help you to know all the rules about shipping and Japan rules.

Restricted & Prohibited Items in Japan

If you don’t know if your package is restricted or prohibited, read this list of restricted & prohibited items in Japan. Can you ship alcohol? Beer? Cigarettes? Fruits and vegetables? If you have any questions about this topic, you really need to consult our lists of prohibited and restricted items below.

Remember, any items that are prohibited for shipping domestically are also prohibited for international shipping. But, some things that are prohibited for shipping internationally can be shipped domestically, of course, with some restrictions.

Restricted Items:

• Cigars
• Lithium Batteries
• Medical Devices
• Medicine or Drugs

Prohibited Domestic Items:

• Airbags
• Ammunition
• Explosives
• Gasoline

Country Conditions for Shipping – Japan

Restrictions on small package international shipping

Items like: Coins, banknotes, paper money, securities payable to bearer, gold bullion, platinum, precious stones and jewelry may only be sent by First-Class package service.  If you are still not sure what you can and not ship internationally, contact Japan Customs.

Things like firearms (handguns, pistols, machine guns, etc.); other types of weapons like swords and knives may not be imported into Japan. Only it is possible when the recipient receives prior permission from the competent authority. So, it is really important to know all about customs regulations in Japan before small package international shipping.

You should know that if you want to ship meat products that it is prohibited unless accompanied by an inspection certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

If you need to send human ashes it should be sending by licensed crematory or licensed mortuary. Of course, the ashes must be packed in a sealed metal container.

Sending Food to Japan?

If you need to send a food to Japan to your friend who is missing the taste of home, you can do it. It is a simple process, just follow basic rules for sending food abroad.

Sending a Gift to Japan?

Japan is one of the most popular destinations to send gifts. If the value of your gift is below 10,000 yen, then you won’t need to pay any duties or tax on it.

How to prepare for small package international shipping?

Before you send your package overseas you need to know how do you want to do it, with air freight forwarders or you want transportation by sea.

You as a sender should have addresses and all the necessary documents. Import permits are not needed for personal articles and in quantities such that they could not be used for commercial purposes.

Don’t forget to pack your small package properly for international shipping.

Here are a few things you can do to make sure your customer or friend receives the package

• Write the customer’s International telephone number on the package. It is necessary for customs to call them if they forget to pick up a package on time.
• Ship the small package internationally by way of certified mail, so your package has a guaranteed delivery. It costs more but is worth it. You will be sure that your package is arrived well and on time.
• Purchase additional insurance. It is an amount of money which is ensuring your package.
• Make sure your return address and telephone number are clear and legible.

If you do all of these things before you send your package internationally, and your package is lost or damaged you can request from insurance to recover your loss for a reshipment or refund.

Don’t forget: The local customs authority need to determine what goods are inside your shipment. That’s why they need to know if you have to pay some duties and fees. Also, they need to know if you are sending prohibited or restricted items. That way, you need to complete the booking process accurately and honestly.

When don’t you need to pay duties or taxes?

You will not pay any duties or taxes if your goods have a total value less 10,000 yen. But, if your package is worth more than 10,000 yen, then customs will contact receiver to pay this fee. So, if you want to pay instead receiver you need to contact Customer Services.

What Can I Do to Prevent Extra Costs Shipping Food to Japan?

• Foods must be in the original packaging.
• Package with food must be sealed and not tampered
• Food label must list all ingredients.
• Foods must have a shelf life of longer than six months from the date of shipping. If shelf life is less than six months than food will not be sent.

What Can I Do to Prevent Extra Costs Shipping Gift to Japan?

When you are sending gift internationally in your small package, you need to fill right and be very specific in the booking process. You need to explain what is your gift which you are shipping internationally. You need to be clear, you cannot label just “a gift”. If you don’t label it right you can risk that your package delayed in customs and opened by customs staff.

Also, when you are packing your gift it is not just enough to wrap it and send it to Japan. You risk that your package will not survive international shipping.  You should wrap the gift and place it inside of a new double ply box and then send it. Before you send it, check again the list of restricted or prohibited items.