How to Send Goods from Japan Overseas: The Complete 2026 Guide (Personal & Private Shipments)

At some point, almost every foreigner living in Japan needs to send something home. A gift for family back in your home country. A box of Japanese food items to a friend abroad. Your belongings when you move. A package of clothing you bought that you want shipped directly overseas. Japan's international shipping network is extensive and efficient — but in 2026, it is also more complex than it has ever been.

The past eighteen months have brought a wave of changes to international shipping from Japan that have left many people confused: Japan Post suspending certain services to the United States, the discontinuation of the Registered Small Packet service, a new courier service called UGX launching, Electronic Advance Data now mandatory for international mail, and country-specific disruptions affecting the Middle East, South Asia, and South America.

This guide cuts through all of it. It covers every available method for sending personal and private goods from Japan overseas — Japan Post's full service range, Yamato's International TA-Q-BIN, private couriers including DHL, FedEx, and UPS, and sea freight for large shipments. It explains what you cannot send, which countries have restrictions or suspensions, what the US situation actually means for you right now, and exactly what paperwork you need to complete before handing your parcel over the counter.

The Big Picture: What Changed in 2025–2026

Before diving into the details, understand the landscape. International shipping from Japan has changed more in the past eighteen months than in the previous decade. These are the key developments every sender needs to know.

The US de minimis exemption ended — and Japan Post suspended goods shipments to the United States. On July 30, 2025, the US government issued an executive order terminating the longstanding de minimis rule that allowed goods valued under USD 800 to enter the United States duty-free. From August 29, 2025, all taxable mail shipments to the US face customs duties and tariffs regardless of value. Because the procedures for collecting duties and transmitting data to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were not yet clear, Japan Post suspended acceptance of small packets, parcels, and EMS goods shipments to the United States from August 27, 2025. Letters, printed matter, and personal gifts valued under USD 100 continue to be accepted. As of early 2026, Japan Post's goods shipments to the US remain suspended pending clearer CBP guidance. Private couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) continue to operate to the US and are the primary alternative.

The Registered Small Packet service for valuable goods was discontinued. From December 31, 2025, Japan Post discontinued the handling of valuables (other than money and documents) sent as registered small packet mail. If you previously used registered small packet for sending items with declared value, you need a different service going forward.

UGX (Yu Global Express) launched. Japan Post launched UGX — Yu Global Express — as a new international courier service in early 2026, designed specifically for e-commerce and reliable tracked international delivery. It operates as a courier-type service with better tracking and insurance than standard airmail options and is being progressively introduced across destination countries.

Electronic Advance Data (EAD) is now mandatory for items containing dutiable articles. When sending packages internationally through Japan Post, you must electronically transmit advance data — essentially a digital customs declaration — for any shipment containing goods with dutiable content. Handwritten labels alone are no longer sufficient for these shipments. This applies to both EMS and international parcel services.

SAL (Surface Air Lifted) service remains suspended. Japan Post's SAL service — the economy option between airmail and surface mail — which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been fully reinstated to all destinations. Availability varies by country.

Iran restrictions reimposed. Japan reimposed sanctions on Iran from September 28, 2025, which has affected mail service availability to Iran.

Service disruptions are ongoing and dynamic. Political instability, natural disasters, operator strikes, and policy changes continue to cause periodic suspensions and delays to various destinations. Always check Japan Post's service availability chart immediately before sending anything internationally.

Understanding Your Sending Options: An Overview

Japan offers five practical channels for sending personal goods overseas. Each has a different cost structure, speed, weight and size limits, tracking capability, and suitability for different types of goods.

Method 1: Japan Post — The Full Service Breakdown

Japan Post (日本郵便) is the most accessible international shipping provider for foreigners living in Japan. Post offices are everywhere, the service range is broad, and English-language support is available online and at many major post office branches. Japan Post is also typically the most affordable option for standard personal shipments.

EMS — Express Mail Service

EMS is Japan Post's premium international service — the fastest and most reliable option within the Japan Post network. It offers full end-to-end tracking, delivery confirmation, and compensation coverage up to ¥2 million per item.

Key EMS facts:

• Weight limit: 30 kg per item

• Size limit: No single dimension exceeding 1.5 m; combined length and girth (length + 2 × width + 2 × height) not exceeding 3 m

• Delivery: Typically 2–5 business days to major cities in developed countries; longer to remote areas

• Tracking: Complete tracking from Japan Post dispatch to delivery, with recipient signature at delivery in most countries

• Compensation: Up to ¥2 million per item against loss or damage

EMS pricing (indicative, 2026): Rates are calculated by weight and zone. As a general reference:

Rates are subject to annual revision. Always check the Japan Post website or your local post office for current pricing.

EMS and the United States (2026 update): EMS goods shipments to the US containing taxable items or gifts valued over USD 100 remain suspended as of early 2026 following the de minimis policy change. EMS document shipments to the US continue to be accepted. For goods to the US, use DHL, FedEx, or UPS instead.

EMS and the Electronic Advance Data (EAD) requirement: For EMS shipments containing dutiable goods, you must transmit Electronic Advance Data before or when submitting the parcel. This is done through Japan Post's International My Page Service (国際マイページサービス) — a free online system where you enter shipment details, generating a QR code or printed label that contains the EAD. You no longer fill out a paper customs form separately — the digital submission generates both the shipping label and the customs declaration simultaneously. Register for the International My Page Service at Japan Post's website before your first EMS shipment of goods.

What EMS covers: Documents, merchandise samples, gifts, personal effects, food (subject to destination country regulations), clothing, electronics, books, and most personal goods.

International Parcel (Air and Surface)

International Parcel service is a step below EMS in speed and cost — it is the standard option for goods where delivery time is not critical but full tracking and compensation are still needed.

Air parcel:

• Delivery: Typically 6–12 days to most destinations (varies significantly by country)

• Weight limit: 30 kg

• Tracking: Available, though less detailed than EMS in some countries

• Compensation: Available

Surface mail (sea parcel):

• Delivery: 1–3 months depending on destination

• Weight limit: 30 kg

• Cost: Significantly cheaper than air for heavy items — approximately 40–60% of air parcel rates

• Tracking: Limited milestone tracking only

• Best use: Sending heavy, non-urgent items such as books, household goods, or clothing where the long transit time is acceptable

Surface mail is the most cost-effective Japan Post option for heavy shipments. A 30 kg box sent by surface mail to a European destination might cost around ¥8,000–¥12,000, compared to ¥30,000–¥45,000 by EMS. The trade-off is the long transit time and the limited compensation and tracking compared to air services.

Surface mail availability: Surface mail to the US has been disrupted by the de minimis policy changes along with EMS. Check current availability on Japan Post's website for your specific destination.

International ePacket Light

A lightweight, low-cost tracked service for small items. Limited to 2 kg, and coverage varies by destination country. A viable option for sending small gift items or lightweight personal goods economically where full EMS speed is not required.

UGX — Yu Global Express (New Service, 2026)

UGX is Japan Post's newly launched international courier service — a direct response to the gap created by the various disruptions to traditional postal services and the growing reliability demands of international senders.

Key UGX features:

• Courier-type service: faster and more reliable tracking than standard airmail postal services

• Designed for international e-commerce and individuals needing higher assurance of delivery

• Progressive country rollout beginning early 2026 — check Japan Post's UGX availability list for your destination

• Better suited to high-value personal items requiring insurance coverage and reliable delivery confirmation

• Operates through Japan Post's logistics infrastructure with courier-level transit agreements in destination countries

UGX is positioned between Japan Post's traditional postal services and fully private couriers like DHL. For senders who want more reliability than standard airmail but prefer to stay within the Japan Post network, UGX is worth checking as its country coverage expands throughout 2026.

About SAL (Surface Air Lifted)

SAL was Japan Post's economy air service — goods were transported by air where available, by surface where not, at rates cheaper than full airmail. It was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of early 2026, SAL availability varies significantly by destination. It has been reinstated on some routes and remains suspended on others. Check Japan Post's service availability chart for your specific destination. Where available, SAL offers a middle ground between the cost of surface mail and the speed of airmail — typically delivering within 2–4 weeks. Where suspended, air parcel or surface mail are the alternatives.

Japan Post's Electronic Advance Data (EAD) Requirement — How It Works

This is one of the most practical changes for anyone sending goods internationally through Japan Post in 2026.

What EAD is: Electronic Advance Data is the digital transmission of shipment information — sender details, recipient details, contents description, declared value, and item weight — to customs authorities before or at the time of mailing. It replaces the old paper-only customs declaration form (CN22 or CN23) for many shipment types.

When EAD is mandatory: EAD is mandatory for all Japan Post international shipments containing dutiable articles (i.e., goods with declared value). HS code data is also strongly recommended for all shipments.

How to submit EAD:

1. Register for Japan Post's International My Page Service (国際マイページサービス) at the Japan Post website — free registration, available in Japanese only (some third-party English guides assist with navigation)

2. Enter your shipment details: contents, quantity, value per item, total declared value, recipient name and address

3. The system generates a combined shipping label and customs declaration — print and attach to your parcel

4. Take the parcel to any Japan Post office for acceptance

What happens if you skip EAD: For shipments requiring EAD, Japan Post will not accept parcels without the digital label at the counter. Arriving at the post office with only a handwritten label and a separately filled paper customs form is no longer sufficient for goods shipments to most destinations.

Method 2: Yamato Transport — International TA-Q-BIN

Yamato Transport (ヤマト運輸), the company behind Japan's iconic black cat delivery service, operates an international shipping service called International TA-Q-BIN (国際宅急便). It is the most Japan-familiar international shipping option for door-to-door delivery — you use the same Yamato drop-off points and convenience store counters you know from domestic shipping.

How International TA-Q-BIN Works

International TA-Q-BIN is an air freight courier service covering over 200 countries and regions. You drop off your parcel at any Yamato Sales Office or cooperating konbini (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or convenience stores with Yamato drop-off facilities), and Yamato handles everything from there: collection, customs documentation, international transport, and final-mile delivery in the destination country.

Destination zones and delivery times:

Zone 1 — East and Southeast Asia: South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. Fastest service — next-day delivery to major cities in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau. Two to three days for other major Zone 1 destinations.

Zone 2 — Rest of the world: All other destinations including North America, Europe, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa. Typical delivery: three to seven days to major cities (US: minimum Friday/Saturday for a Monday submission to a major US city).

Size and weight limits:

• Maximum linear dimensions: 160 cm (length + width + height combined)

• Maximum weight: 25 kg

• No single side longer than is practical for the combined 160 cm limit

Key pricing benchmarks (Zone 1 / Zone 2, approximate 2026):

Fuel surcharges apply and change monthly. Add approximately 10–20% to the above rates for a realistic total cost. Check Yamato's website for current surcharge rates.

Important restriction for private individuals: For certain countries, Yamato's International TA-Q-BIN cannot handle parcels (other than documents) when both the shipper and the receiver are private individuals. This restriction applies to specific countries where Yamato's customs clearance or final-mile arrangements require a business account on one side of the transaction. Check Yamato's current country-specific restrictions for your destination.

Yamato English support: Yamato's International TA-Q-BIN service has English-language support, an English website with waybill guides, and staff at major Sales Offices in international areas of major cities who can assist with labeling and documentation.

What Yamato does not accept: Suitcases must be packed inside a box — Yamato will not ship bare suitcases as international TA-Q-BIN. Oversized items (over 160 cm combined dimensions) must use Yamato's separate International Moving Service. Dangerous goods, perishable foods, and items on the prohibited list (see the dedicated section below) are not accepted.

Yamato International Moving Service

For those leaving Japan and shipping household goods, Yamato offers a full international moving service separate from the parcel TA-Q-BIN service. Options include:

Standard Plus Plan: Full-service relocation including packing, transport by air or sea, and unpacking at destination. Requires an estimate appointment.

Standard Plan: Same as above but without unpacking assistance. Sea freight only. Most popular option.

Basic Plan: Self-packing, with Yamato handling pickup and sea freight to destination. Most economical moving plan.

Moving estimates are handled in English and can be arranged through Yamato's international moving division. Lead times for sea freight are typically four to six weeks to most destinations, longer to South America and Africa.

Method 3: DHL Express

DHL is the global benchmark for international express courier service and is the most commonly used private courier for sending goods from Japan overseas in 2026, particularly for the United States following Japan Post's suspension.

DHL's Advantages in 2026

DHL maintains full international service to most destinations where Japan Post has suspended or reduced services. During Japan Post's US suspension in 2025 and into 2026, DHL was the most widely recommended alternative for Japan-to-US shipments, and DHL rapidly expanded its Japan pickup and drop-off network to accommodate the increased demand.

Key DHL service facts:

• Delivery: 1–3 business days to most destinations (International Express)

• Weight: Up to 70 kg per piece

• Tracking: Industry-leading real-time tracking throughout the entire journey

• Compensation: Up to USD 100 standard coverage; additional declared value insurance available

• Pickup: Available from your door (schedule via DHL Japan's website or app); also accepted at DHL service points including some Yamato offices and authorized agents in Japan

DHL pricing: Significantly more expensive than Japan Post or Yamato for equivalent weight. A 2 kg package sent DHL Express to the United States from Japan typically costs ¥5,000–¥9,000 for the shipping alone, before fuel surcharges. A 5 kg package runs ¥9,000–¥15,000. DHL is the right choice when speed or reliability cannot be compromised — not for everyday budget shipping.

DHL Japan English support: DHL Japan operates a bilingual website and English-language customer service. Drop-off locations, pickup scheduling, and customs documentation are all manageable in English.

Method 4: FedEx International

FedEx operates full international express services from Japan to nearly all global destinations. Like DHL, FedEx maintained uninterrupted service to the United States throughout the 2025 Japan Post suspension period.

Key FedEx service facts:

• Services: FedEx International Priority (fastest, 1–3 days), FedEx International Economy (3–5 days, more affordable)

• Weight: Up to 68 kg per piece

• Tracking: Full real-time tracking with delivery confirmation

• FedEx Drop Boxes: Available at FedEx Kinko's locations throughout Japan's major cities (these also offer printing services and packing materials)

• English support: Full English-language website and customer service available

FedEx pricing: Comparable to DHL — premium over Japan Post and Yamato but competitive between the two private couriers. Get comparison quotes from both before shipping for any high-value shipment.

Method 5: UPS Worldwide Services

UPS offers competitive international service from Japan with strong coverage particularly to North America and Europe.

Key UPS service facts:

• Services: UPS Worldwide Express Plus (fastest), UPS Worldwide Express, UPS Worldwide Saver, UPS Worldwide Expedited

• Weight: Up to 70 kg per piece (standard service)

• Tracking: Full real-time tracking

• Drop-off: UPS accepts packages at authorized UPS Access Point locations in Japan, and some Yamato offices also accept UPS international shipments in collaboration

UPS and Yamato relationship: Yamato Transport and UPS have a partnership in Japan — Yamato's domestic pickup and delivery network is used for UPS packages in Japan. You can submit UPS international shipments through certain Yamato channels. Check current partnership arrangements with Yamato or UPS Japan directly.

Choosing the Right Service: A Practical Decision Guide

What You Cannot Send: Universally Prohibited Items

Regardless of which carrier you use or which country you are sending to, certain items are absolutely prohibited from international shipment from Japan. These restrictions exist under Japanese law, IATA dangerous goods regulations, and Universal Postal Union agreements.

Absolute Prohibitions — No Carrier Will Accept These

Dangerous goods under IATA regulations. This is a broad category that catches many people off guard. Items covered by the International Air Transport Association's dangerous goods regulations cannot be sent by international air mail or air courier regardless of the carrier — not Japan Post, not Yamato, not DHL, not FedEx. This includes:

• Lithium batteries — standalone lithium batteries (not installed in devices) are prohibited in most international mail and have restricted rules even when inside devices. Lithium-ion batteries installed in devices (laptops, phones, cameras) can generally be shipped, but there are strict rules about charge level, quantity, and packaging. Standalone spare lithium batteries for shipping are generally refused by Japan Post and have strict per-package quantity limits at DHL, FedEx, and UPS.

• Flammable liquids and gases — nail polish, hairspray, lighter fluid, perfume containing alcohol above threshold concentrations, aerosol sprays, camp gas canisters

• Compressed gases — CO2 cartridges, helium balloons, oxygen canisters

• Explosives and fireworks — including seemingly innocent items like sparklers, caps for toy guns, and pyrotechnic novelty items

• Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides — bleach, hair bleach kits, certain cleaning products

• Radioactive materials

• Corrosive substances — strong acids, drain cleaners, certain industrial chemicals

• Dry ice — cannot be sent as international mail; restrictions apply for private couriers

Counterfeit and pirated goods. Items that violate intellectual property rights — fake branded goods, bootleg DVDs, counterfeit currency — are prohibited under Japanese customs law and the laws of virtually every destination country.

Narcotics and controlled substances. Illegal drugs are absolutely prohibited. This includes cannabis and cannabis products, which are legal in some destination countries (including Canada and many US states) but whose export from Japan is illegal under Japanese law and which cannot be accepted by any Japan-based carrier.

Firearms and weapons. Guns, ammunition, silencers, explosives, and military equipment require government-to-government export licenses that are not applicable to personal shipments.

Child exploitation material. Absolutely prohibited under Japanese and international law.

Soils, plants, and certain biological materials without phytosanitary certificates. Even dirt on the bottom of shoes can trigger quarantine violations. Plants and seeds require phytosanitary certificates and destination country import approval in advance.

Commonly Misunderstood Restricted Items

These are items that people frequently attempt to send internationally and are either prohibited entirely or subject to strict conditions.

Food Items

Food can generally be sent internationally through Japan Post and private couriers, but with important conditions:

• Food must be for personal (non-commercial) use

• Food must be commercially manufactured and in original sealed packaging — homemade food is generally not acceptable and will likely be refused or seized at destination customs

• Destination country import restrictions on food vary enormously. Meat products face the strictest controls — many countries including Australia, New Zealand, and the US have strict prohibitions on importing meat products from Japan, even commercially sealed products. Always check destination country rules.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited for international shipment in most cases due to phytosanitary regulations

• Alcohol requires special handling — Japan Post allows alcohol in international parcels to most destinations, but maximum quantities apply, the contents must be clearly declared, and destination country import restrictions (including prohibition in some countries) must be respected

Medicines and Pharmaceuticals

Sending medicines overseas from Japan is more complex than most people realize.

• Over-the-counter medicines for personal use (a reasonable personal supply — typically a one to three month supply) can generally be sent with proper customs declaration as personal goods. Do not exceed reasonable personal quantities.

• Prescription medicines require documentation of the prescription. Some destination countries have strict controls on what prescription drugs can be imported even for personal use.

• Medicines containing controlled substances — certain Japanese medications contain ingredients that are controlled substances in other countries. Japanese cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, for example, are controlled in some destination countries. Verify the legal status of any medication in the destination country before sending.

• Large quantities of any medicine will trigger customs scrutiny regardless of the type — customs officers treat large quantities as potential commercial shipment or controlled substance smuggling.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

• Aerosol cosmetics (hairspray, deodorant spray) are prohibited as IATA dangerous goods — liquid and stick versions are generally acceptable

• Nail polish in quantities over certain thresholds may be refused due to flammability

• Perfume and cologne containing alcohol above the threshold for flammable liquids is technically prohibited as IATA dangerous goods but is often accepted in small quantities (personal use amounts of one or two bottles) as a practical matter. For large quantities, assume refusal.

• Cosmetics for personal use in reasonable quantities are generally accepted; commercial quantities will trigger customs issues in the destination country

Electronics and Batteries

• Electronics are generally accepted for personal shipment, subject to lithium battery rules

• Devices with built-in non-removable lithium batteries (smartphones, laptops) can typically be shipped but must be properly packed with battery charge at 30% or below for some carriers

• Power banks (portable batteries) are subject to strict quantity and watt-hour limits — check each carrier's specific rules. Japan Post typically accepts power banks up to 160 Wh per unit, maximum 2 units per package. DHL, FedEx, and UPS have similar restrictions.

• Old or damaged lithium batteries are refused by all carriers

Knives and Sharp Objects

• Kitchen knives, scissors, and similar items can generally be sent internationally when properly wrapped and declared

• Weapons-grade knives, tactical knives, and similar items may be prohibited in the destination country regardless of their legality in Japan

• Swords and antique bladed weapons are subject to specific restrictions in many countries — research destination country import rules before shipping

Tobacco and Cigarettes

• Tobacco products can generally be sent internationally in personal-use quantities

• Destination country import limits on tobacco apply — most countries allow a personal use allowance (typically 200–400 cigarettes or equivalent) duty-free, with duty applying above that

• Electronic cigarettes and vaping products: legality varies widely by destination country. Vaping products are illegal in many countries including Thailand, India, Singapore, and others. Shipping these to countries where they are prohibited is a customs violation.

Currency and Valuables

• Currency (banknotes and coins) can be sent as registered mail or insured packages to most countries but is subject to declaration requirements. Japan Post has specific maximum declared values for currency by destination country.

• Note: As of December 31, 2025, the handling of valuables (other than money and documents) sent as registered small packet mail has been discontinued. Use registered international parcel or EMS for insured non-currency valuables.

• Jewelry, watches, and precious metals can be sent but must be declared at full value and properly insured. High-value jewelry should go via private couriers (DHL, FedEx) or EMS for maximum insurance coverage.

Country-Specific Restrictions and Suspensions: Current Status (Early 2026)

International mail service availability changes frequently based on geopolitical events, infrastructure issues, carrier decisions, and regulatory changes in destination countries. The following reflects the situation as of early 2026 — always verify current status on Japan Post's international service availability page before sending anything.

United States

Status (Early 2026): Goods shipments via Japan Post suspended since August 27, 2025.

Following the US government's executive order terminating the de minimis duty-free exemption for imported goods (July 30, 2025), Japan Post suspended acceptance of small packets, parcels, and EMS goods shipments containing taxable items or gifts valued over USD 100 to the United States. This suspension is temporary pending clearer CBP guidance, but as of early 2026, it remains in effect for goods.

What is still accepted to the US via Japan Post:

• Letters and postcards

• Printed matter (books, magazines, documents)

• EMS document shipments

• Personal gifts valued under USD 100 (limited acceptance conditions apply)

Alternative for US-bound goods: DHL, FedEx, and UPS all maintain full US service and are the recommended alternatives for any goods shipment to the United States in 2026. FedEx in particular has increased its Japan presence to handle demand displaced from Japan Post.

US tariff context: As of early 2026, goods of Japanese origin imported into the United States are subject to tariffs. Japanese-origin goods face a baseline 15% tariff under the current US trade framework (subject to ongoing trade negotiations). Commercial shippers should factor this into pricing and buyer communication. For personal gifts, values under USD 100 are subject to de minimis evaluation under current rules.

Russia and Belarus

Status: Severely restricted. Service largely suspended.

Japan Post severely limited mail services to Russia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Japan's alignment with G7 sanctions. Most parcel services to Russia and Belarus are suspended. Private couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) also have very limited or suspended Russia service.

If you need to send personal documents to Russia, check Japan Post's current status for letters — this is the only category that may have limited availability. Goods shipments to Russia are effectively not possible through standard international carriers from Japan.

Iran

Status: Mail services affected by reimposed sanctions.

Japan reimposed sanctions against Iran effective September 28, 2025, in line with the expiry of the UN Security Council sanctions lifting under Resolution 2231. Mail services to Iran are subject to these restrictions. Check Japan Post's current country status for Iran before attempting any shipment.

Middle East (Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon)

Status (Early 2026): Services being progressively restored after earlier suspensions, but delays remain.

EMS, registered airmail, and standard airmail to Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon were suspended during peak conflict periods. Services have been progressively resuming — as noted in Japan Post's November 2025 updates — but conditions change rapidly. Verify current acceptance status immediately before shipping to any Middle Eastern destination.

DHL resumed shipments to Israel following its own operational assessment. Check private courier availability for Middle Eastern destinations if Japan Post services are unavailable.

Venezuela

Status: Airmail suspended from January 7, 2026.

Japan Post suspended airmail acceptance to Venezuela from January 7, 2026 due to operational issues with Venezuelan postal infrastructure. Surface mail may have limited availability. For urgent shipments to Venezuela, check private courier options.

Bangladesh and Myanmar

Status (January 2026): Delivery delays.

Japan Post announced delivery delays to Bangladesh and Myanmar as of late January 2026 due to local infrastructure and operational issues. Shipments are accepted but should be sent with extended delivery time expectations. EMS is the recommended option for time-sensitive shipments.

Canada

Status (Early 2026): Restored, with potential for further disruption.

Canada experienced significant postal disruption in late 2024 and into 2025 due to a Canada Post strike. Services were restored in November 2025 following the strike's end. Service is currently operating normally, though backlog from the strike period extended delivery times into early 2026. Monitor for any renewed labor disputes as Japan Post will suspend Canadian services again if Canada Post stops accepting inbound mail.

Australia and New Zealand

Status: Operational, but strict biosecurity requirements apply.

Japan Post and private couriers operate normally to Australia and New Zealand. However, both countries operate among the world's strictest biosecurity inspection regimes. All packages are subject to potential inspection by the Australian Border Force or New Zealand Customs. Items that fail biosecurity requirements — soil residues on gardening items, undeclared wooden items, certain food products, plant materials — are seized and destroyed, with potential fines for the sender.

Declare all food items accurately on the customs declaration. Do not attempt to send fresh produce, seeds, plants, meat, or dairy products to Australia or New Zealand — these are prohibited and will be seized.

China

Status: Operational, with customs requirements.

Japan Post EMS and parcel services to China operate normally. Note that China's customs authorities apply detailed scrutiny to imported packages, and declaration accuracy is important. Electronics, particularly used electronics, can attract attention. Packages containing goods subject to China's import duties will be assessed by Chinese customs and duty charged to the recipient.

Turkey

Status: Operational, but customs surcharge applies.

Turkey imposed a 60% customs duty on goods valued over 30 EUR imported online from non-EU countries, effective August 2024. This significantly increases the cost of receiving packages from Japan for Turkish residents. Senders to Turkey should communicate this additional cost to recipients before shipping.

North Korea

Status: No service.

No international mail or courier service operates to North Korea.

Completing the Customs Declaration Correctly

Accurate customs declaration is not just a bureaucratic formality — it is a legal requirement, and mistakes have real consequences. Incorrect declarations can result in shipments being delayed, seized, or returned, and potentially in fines.

What Must Be Declared

For every international shipment containing goods (not just letters or documents), you must declare:

• Contents description: A specific description of each item. "Miscellaneous goods" or "gift" alone is not sufficient. Write "cotton T-shirt," "ceramic coffee mug," "children's picture book" — specifics matter.

• Quantity: The number of each item type.

• Declared value: The monetary value of each item in Japanese yen (or the currency specified for the service). For gifts, declare the approximate fair market value — not zero, and not a token nominal amount.

• Weight: The total weight of the parcel.

• HS code (recommended): The Harmonized System code for your product category. Not yet always mandatory for personal shipments, but strongly recommended as customs authorities increasingly use HS codes to assess duties and classification.

Gift vs. Merchandise — What It Means

Many people assume marking a package as "gift" exempts it from customs duties at the destination. This is partially true in some countries for shipments under a certain value, but it is not a universal exemption, and using it incorrectly is customs fraud.

A genuine personal gift — something you are sending with no expectation of payment from the recipient — can legitimately be marked as "gift." Items that you have been paid for, items for resale, and items shipped in commercial quantities must be declared as "merchandise" at their transaction value. The de minimis rule changes in the US specifically ended the practice of marking items as low-value gifts to avoid duties.

Double Taxation Awareness

In some countries, recipients must pay import duties and taxes to receive packages above a threshold value. This is the recipient's responsibility in most cases, not the sender's. However, it is courteous and often necessary to inform your recipient that they may face customs charges when receiving a package of significant value — unexpected customs bills surprise and frustrate recipients who were not warned.

The ¥200,000 Customs Change

Japan Post updated customs clearance procedures for sending items valued at over ¥200,000 internationally. Shipments above this value now require separate customs declaration procedures through Japan Customs — consult your local post office for guidance before sending any high-value items internationally through Japan Post.

Tips for Packaging Your Shipment

How you pack your international shipment affects whether it arrives safely, whether it is accepted by the carrier, and whether it passes customs inspection without being opened and resealed.

Use sturdy outer packaging. International parcels travel through multiple handling points across different countries and conditions. A thin cardboard box or soft envelope bag that might survive domestic shipping will likely not survive international transit. Use double-walled cardboard boxes for any item of value or fragility.

Do not over-tape the outside. Excessive tape on the outside of a package can trigger customs inspection curiosity. Use normal tape to seal, but do not create a package that looks like it is deliberately obscuring the seams.

Wrap fragile items individually. Bubble wrap each fragile item individually before placing it in the box. Fill empty space with crumpled paper or air padding to prevent movement — items that shift in transit break.

Keep the customs declaration accurate and accessible. The customs declaration label should be affixed to the outside of the package, clearly visible. For packages where the EAD has been transmitted digitally, the printed label from Japan Post's My Page Service replaces the handwritten form — use it exactly as printed.

Do not seal the package before going to the counter for Japan Post. For Japan Post international shipments, the post office staff may need to inspect the contents to confirm the customs declaration matches what is being sent. Bring the package to the counter ready to open, seal it fully only after the staff confirms everything is in order.

Photograph your packed contents before sealing. If a high-value shipment is lost or damaged, having a photograph of the contents before sealing supports your compensation claim significantly.

How Much Does It Cost? A Practical Comparison

For illustrative purposes, here are approximate costs for three common shipping scenarios in early 2026. Fuel surcharges and destination-specific fees are not included — add approximately 10–20% for private couriers.

Scenario A: Sending a 2 kg gift box to a friend in South Korea

Scenario B: Sending a 5 kg box of personal goods to Germany

Scenario C: Sending a 10 kg box of goods to the United States

Moving Out of Japan: Shipping Your Entire Household

If you are leaving Japan permanently and need to ship household goods, personal effects, and everything accumulated during your time here, individual parcel shipping is not practical at scale. You need a proper moving service.

Sea Freight — The Standard Option

Sea freight (船便, funaben) is the standard method for international household moves. Your goods are packed into a shipping container — either a full container (FCL) or a shared container with other shippers' goods (LCL) — and transported by sea to your destination port.

Typical transit times:

• Japan to North America (West Coast): 2–3 weeks

• Japan to Europe: 4–6 weeks

• Japan to Australia/New Zealand: 2–3 weeks

• Japan to South/Southeast Asia: 1–3 weeks

Typical costs: Highly variable depending on volume, origin and destination city, and current freight rates. As a rough reference, moving the contents of a standard one-bedroom apartment from Tokyo to a European destination might cost ¥200,000–¥500,000 by sea freight LCL.

Main providers for international moving from Japan:

• Yamato International Moving: The most accessible for foreigners in Japan with English-language service and door-to-door pick-up and delivery. Three plan levels (Standard Plus, Standard, Basic) as described above.

• Nippon Express: One of Japan's largest logistics companies with a dedicated international moving division. Competitive rates for large volumes.

• Art Kikkawa / Worldwide Moving: Specialist international movers with strong English-language service for expat clients.

• Allied Pickfords: International brand with Japan operations.

Unaccompanied Baggage (UAB): If you are sending a smaller quantity of personal effects separately from your main move — for example, getting a box of essentials to your destination before your main shipment arrives — Japan Post's international parcel surface mail or air parcel, or Yamato's International TA-Q-BIN, can serve this purpose for items within their size and weight limits.

Customs clearance for household goods: Most countries allow returning residents or new immigrants to import household goods and personal effects duty-free, provided the goods were owned and used before the move and are not new commercial goods. Documentation requirements vary — typically a detailed packing list, proof of prior residency in Japan (your residence card history), and a completed customs declaration form for the destination country. Your moving company will guide you through destination country customs requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send Japanese snacks and food items to my family overseas? Generally yes, for commercially manufactured, sealed food products in personal-use quantities. Avoid any fresh produce, meat, or dairy products — these face strict restrictions in most countries. Always check destination country food import rules for Japanese products specifically — Australia and New Zealand are particularly strict. Declare food items accurately on the customs declaration.

Why is Japan Post not delivering to the US? Japan Post suspended goods shipments (small packets, parcels, and EMS goods) to the United States from August 27, 2025, following the US executive order eliminating the de minimis duty-free exemption. This suspension is expected to continue until clearer customs collection procedures are established between Japan Post and US CBP. Use DHL, FedEx, or UPS for goods to the US.

Can I send cash or gift cards internationally? Cash (banknotes and coins) can be sent via Japan Post registered mail or insured services to most countries, with maximum declared values varying by destination. Check Japan Post's country-specific rules for the maximum insurable amount. Gift cards (store-specific physical cards) can generally be sent as documents or registered mail — their monetary value should be declared. Cryptocurrency gift cards or codes present compliance complexities — consult customs guidance before sending.

What happens if customs opens my package? Customs authorities in any country have the right to open and inspect any international parcel. If your customs declaration is accurate and your contents are legal, the package will be resealed and delivered, possibly with a small customs inspection notice inside. If contents do not match the declaration, the shipment may be seized, returned, or destroyed — and you may face fines.

Can I ship a bicycle or sporting equipment overseas? Large sporting equipment — bicycles, surfboards, golf bags — can be shipped internationally, but standard parcel services have size and weight limits (typically 160 cm combined dimensions and 25–30 kg) that exclude many items. Oversized items need specialized freight services. Yamato's International Moving division can handle oversized goods. Private couriers (DHL, FedEx) also handle oversized shipments with special arrangements. Get a quote for your specific item.

My package was lost. How do I claim compensation? For Japan Post insured services: File a claim at any Japan Post office within one year of the mailing date, with your receipt and proof of contents value (photographs, purchase receipts). Compensation is paid in yen at the declared value, subject to the service's maximum compensation limit. For private couriers: File a claim through DHL, FedEx, or UPS's claims portal within their respective claim windows (typically seven to sixty days depending on the service level).

Do I need to pay consumption tax when shipping internationally? International shipments from Japan are exempt from Japanese consumption tax on the shipping service itself for most commercial export scenarios. However, if you are purchasing goods in Japan and having them shipped overseas (for example, buying items at a Japanese shop and sending them directly overseas), the goods themselves may qualify for a tax refund on the consumption tax you paid when purchasing — check with the retailer about export tax-free purchase options.

Quick Reference: Key Rules at a Glance

International shipping from Japan in 2026 is more complicated than it used to be — the US de minimis changes, the Japan Post suspensions, the new EAD requirements, and the ongoing country-level disruptions have created a genuinely complex landscape. But it is manageable when you know the current rules. Check Japan Post's service availability page before every international shipment, use the right carrier for your destination and contents, declare your goods accurately, and give yourself the right lead time — particularly for surface mail or services to countries with known delays. The system works well for those who navigate it correctly.