Moving to a new country is exciting, but it also requires a lot of preparation, paperwork, and planning! If you are relocating to Japan, read on for information and helpful tips on the required documents, regulations and restrictions for clearing customs at the border of your new home country!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Japan, there are
essential documents to gain entry and establish residency. When you plan your international move, you should enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork to clear customs and successfully enter the country.
When moving to Japan, you will need:
- Passport
- Japanese Visa
- OBL/AWB or Express Release/Waybill
- Inventory list (in English or Japanese)
- Customs Declaration Form C5360
- Obtain on airplane or at the customs counter at airport of entry
- Complete two sets and submit to Japanese customs at the airport
- Fill out occupation with name of company
- Keep one original to be sent to destination agent in Japan (copies or faxed copies are not accepted)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Japan permanently, you may import both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) free of duty and tax if:
- Goods have been in your possession for one year
- Shipment arrives within six months of your entry into Japan
- You are present in Japan at time of clearance (but you do not have to be present at customs)
- If the Declaration Form is not completed and certified by customs officials upon arrival, your goods may be subject to duties and taxes
- Keep receipts (with English translation) for any new items (duty and tax may apply)
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Japan, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and medicine containing Pseudo ephedrine
- Pornography and obscene materials
- Reproductions of copyright materials and counterfeit goods/currency
- Firearms, ammunition, and weapons of any kind (including air guns, pocket knives and toy replicas)
- All meat products, fruits and vegetables
- Rice
- Skins, furs, or tusks of animals on the endangered species list
- Flower seeds, bulbs, flour, straw and straw items
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to certain quantities or require special authorization/payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Japan. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol (up to three bottles duty-free, shipment must state alcohol percentage, volume and make)
- Tobacco (400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco can be imported duty-free)
- Medication (two month's supply is permitted with proof of prescription)
- Cosmetics and non prescription medications (limited to 24 pieces of any item)
- Rooted plants, shells, meats, furs, and taxidermy animals (quarantine certificate required)
- Perfume (Quantities exceeding two ounces will incur duty)
- Electrical appliances (invoices required)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your vehicle with you to Japan, you will need to hire international vehicle shippers with thorough knowledge of important overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to safely transport your car for you.
If you are transferring your residence to Japan, you may import one vehicle (or motorcycle). Your car may be admitted into the country if:
- You do not intend to sell the vehicle within two years of arrival
- Vehicle meets Japanese safety and emissions regulations
- Vehicle was in your possession for at least one year
You will need the following documents:
- Passport
- Vehicle registration
- Driver's license
- Application of Duty Exemption on Automobiles
- Proof of ownership for more than one year (insurance certificate, purchase receipt)
- Bill of Lading
- Engine and chassis number
- Purchase invoice and vehicle manual
- Pro-forma invoice
- Affidavit stating you will not sell your vehicle in Japan
- Insurance certificate
- Original Customs Declaration Form C
- KANGI form
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs for without trouble. To successfully cross Japanese borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Mandatory quarantine for up to 12 hours
- Your pet must have remained in your country of origin at least 180 days before importation -- country of origin must be an approved rabies-free region (Taiwan, Iceland, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii and Guam)
- If not, your pet could be subject to quarantine for up to 180 days
- Your pet must be identifiable by a microchip
- Advance notification of at least 40 days required for importation
- Veterinary health certificate issued in your country of origin
- Vaccination certificate (rabies must be administered 30 days but not more than six months prior to departure, all other vaccinations must be current)
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a tedious process, requiring knowledge, preparation, and the assistance of experienced, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing a company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to ensure they are qualified for the job and well-versed in the customs process. Staying informed and always conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will prevent you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reliable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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