Skip to content
Skip to service links: contact, tools, help, the group
Skip to search
Skip to main navigation
Skip to sub navigation
Skip to Footer with links to masthead, print, email a friend and disclaimer
 
 

Country Profile

Link arrow DHL Japan | Link arrow Country Profile | Express Import Guidelines

DHL Express Import Guidelines: Japan

Shipping guidelines, standard prohibitions and restrictions to consider when sending express shipments to Japan.

Prohibited Commodities for Japan

  • Antiques
  • Asbestos
  • Cotton seed
  • Dangerous goods, haz. or comb. mats
  • Furs
  • Grain samples
  • Ivory
  • Military equipment
  • Perishables
  • Plants
  • Pornography
  • Seeds
  • Soil samples
The following commodities are not acceptable for transport by DHL under any circumstances.

This is a result of a policy decision, following the full consideration of Operational, Legal and Risk Management implications.

  • Animals (Including mammals, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, amphibians and birds)
  • Hunting (Animal) trophies, animal parts such as ivory and sharks fin, animal remains, or Animal-by-Products and derived products not intended for human consumption, prohibited for movement by the CITES Convention and/or local law.
  • Human remains or ashes
  • Bullion (of any precious metal)
  • Cash (current legal tender)
  • Loose precious and semi-precious stones
  • Complete firearms, ammunition, explosives / explosive devices and it parts and accessories (Real and replica, air-guns).
  • Illegal goods, such as counterfeit goods and narcotics

Property, the carriage of which is prohibited by any law, regulation or statute of any federal, state or local government of any country to or through which the shipment may be carried.

For more information, visit Japan Customs websiteExternal Link / New Window

If you are in any doubt as to the acceptability of your goods, please contact your DHL representative prior to shipping.

Counterfeit Goods are Prohibited

DHL's security policy states that it is not allowed to transport counterfeit goods via the DHL network. DHL does not want to be associated with counterfeit goods and upon suspicion of such goods being imported, Customs will be informed. It is prohibited in many countries to introduce counterfeit goods and where proven the Customs authority will seize the goods and penalize the buyer.
 If you are offered very low prices for branded goods that are sold on shopping websites or via other channels, you can normally assume that the goods are counterfeit. High quality branded goods that are often copied are:
  • Shoes
  • Clothing
  • Bags
  • Expensive Watches
  • CDs and DVDs
  • Perfumes
  • Electronics

Shipping Commodities – What You Need to Know

Certain commodities are considered as “Non-Document” and need to be accompanied by an invoice and, in some cases, additional customs documentation. Other commodities are considered simply as a “Document” and only require a DHL Waybill to be completed. The following list explains what you need to do in order to ship various commodities.

Document Commodities (Require only DHL Waybill)

Annual reports
Blueprints
Cash letters (NI)
Charts/graphs
Cheques, cashier (NI)
Computer printouts
Documents, general business
Drawings, technical/architect/eng.
Magazines, periodicals, journals
Manuals, technical
Manuscripts
Maps
Newspapers
Photos as part of business reports
Plans/drawings-arch/indust/eng. pur
Ship manifest-computer generated
Shipping schedules
Visa applications

Commodities where you should contact your local Customer Service advisor to clarify shipping requirements

Airline tickets, blank stock (NI)
Airline tickets, issued/validated
Alcoholic beverages
Animal products
Animal skins
Blank forms
Calendars
Chemicals, non-hazardous
Coal & firewood
Coffee
Coffee samples
Cologne and perfume
Compact disc
Cosmetics
Credit card blanks (NI)
Credit cards (NI)
Diaries
Diplomatic mail
Diskettes
Drugs: non-prescription
Drugs: prescription
Eye glasses and contacts
Fabrics & fabric samples
Films: 8mm, 16mm & 35mm
Films: entertainment
Films: promotional, training
Fire extinguishers
Foodstuffs
Glass products
Isopropanol
Laser disc
Leather goods
Liquids, non-hazardous
Medical/dental supplies & equipment
Negatives, including x-rays, films
Passports
Personal effects
Photographs
Ship spares
Shoes
Subs. cont'g sodium/calc. cyclamate
Swatches
Tea
Textile articles
Tobacco
Toys

All other commodities are Non-Document in nature and should be accompanied by a DHL Waybill and an Invoice.
 

Worldwide Express Import Guidelines

Worldwide Express Import Guidelines

Import guidelines for more than 220 other countries and territories covered by DHL Express worldwide.

Need Customs Support?

Our online tools and practical advice can help you understand the world of Customs and its complex terminology, paperwork and guidelines.
Customs Paperwork
Duties and Taxes
Global Trade Services
Need Customs Support?More about Customs

Shipping Advice

Get the facts upfront from Express Delivery Experts.
Fuel SurchargesFuel Surcharges
SurchargesSurcharges
Shipping Dangerous GoodsShipping Dangerous Goods
Shipping Lithium BatteriesShipping Lithium Batteries
Packaging AdvicePackaging Advice
Waybill TipsWaybill Tips
Import and Commodities GuidelinesImport and Commodities Guidelines
More Shipping AdviceMore Shipping Advice

Importing Goods into Europe Importing Goods into EuropeImporting Goods into Europe

Importing Goods into Europe Importing Goods into EuropeImporting Goods into Europe
Valid goods descriptions are vital to ensuring your shipments are facilitated smoothly via the Import Control System. DHL Express is committed to supporting you and aligning with ICS.
Read More about ICS LegislationRead More about ICS Legislation
View Valid Goods DescriptionsView Valid Goods Descriptions