Thinking of shopping from Japan but not sure which items can’t be shipped overseas?

In this blog, we’ll introduce some common item categories that cannot be shipped from Japan, to help you avoid potential issues or returned packages before you shop.

Please note that this article only lists common restricted items. Whether a product can be shipped ultimately depends on the customs regulations and shipping policies of each country.

If you’d like to check more detailed information, we recommend visiting the links below or consulting the import regulations of your country.

About prohibited or dangerous goods

Common Prohibited Export Items

1 Refrigerated / Frozen / Perishable Foods

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All international shipments are handled at room temperature, without refrigeration or freezing. Because we can’t guarantee the freshness or quality of these items, they cannot be shipped.

Examples:

• Frozen foods (ice cream, frozen ingredients, etc.)
• Refrigerated foods (milk, yogurt, cheese, traditional Japanese fresh sweets, etc.)
• Fresh products (raw meat, sashimi, fruits, seafood, etc.)
  
   

2 Alcoholic Beverages

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Alcohol is considered a restricted import in many countries, so most alcoholic beverages cannot be shipped internationally.

Examples:

• Sake, Japanese whisky, wine, umeshu (plum wine), and other alcoholic drinks

3 Plant- and Animal-Related Products

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Plant and animal products can carry pests and diseases and are subject to quarantine regulations. Because they are considered high-risk items, they cannot be shipped internationally.

Examples:

• Potted plants
• Foliage plants
• Pet food (dry kibble, canned food, etc.)
• Live bait (insects, fishing bait, etc.)
• Meat products (raw ham, sausages, etc.)

4 Medicines / Health-Related Products

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Certain medicines and medical devices in Japan are regulated products that require professional qualifications to sell. They are also subject to import regulations in destination countries, so they generally cannot be shipped internationally.

Examples:

• Medicines (cold medicine, prescription drugs, etc.)
• Medical devices (blood pressure monitors, health care devices, etc.)
• Contact lenses, colored contact lenses
  
   

5 Perfumes and Nail Care Products

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Perfumes, nail polish, and similar products often contain alcohol or flammable liquids. They are classified as hazardous materials for international air transport, and most airlines and shipping companies prohibit their shipment.

Examples:

• Perfume, diffusers
• Nail polish, nail polish remover

6 Aerosols, Compressed Gases, and Gas Canisters

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These items contain compressed gases or flammable substances and are classified as hazardous materials for air transport. They cannot be shipped through standard international delivery services.

Examples:

• Aerosols (sunscreen spray, deodorant spray, hair spray, cooling spray, etc.)
• Compressed gases (gas-filled lighters, soda carbonation machines, bicycle CO₂ inflators, etc.)
• Gas canisters (camping gas canisters, cassette gas canisters, etc.)

7 Ink Products

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Ink is classified as a flammable liquid or pressure vessel, and some logistics companies consider it a hazardous material, making it prohibited for air transport.

Examples:

• Writing ink
• Printer ink
• Ink refills

8 Replica Weapons

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Products that resemble real weapons, even if they are models or toys, are classified as prohibited or restricted items in some countries. Therefore, in most cases, they cannot be shipped internationally.
 

Examples:

• Airsoft guns, BB guns
• Replica knives, samurai sword models

9 Batteries / Battery-Powered Products

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Battery products pose risks such as short circuits and explosions. Lithium batteries, in particular, must be packaged and declared according to specific regulations; failure to comply may result in shipment refusal.

Examples:

• Lithium batteries (including lithium-ion batteries)
• Nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries
• Battery-powered products (e.g., power banks, wireless mice, electronic toys)
  ※Note: Some countries may allow shipment under special conditions. Please double check in advance.

The items introduced above are just some of the common product categories that cannot be shipped from Japan overseas.

In reality, prohibited items may vary depending on the customs regulations and shipping policies of each country. We strongly recommend that you check the import restrictions and relevant laws of your country before making a purchase.

What international shipping methods does BEX Market offer?

At BEX Market, you can choose from 8 main international shipping methods as follows:

• EMS (Express Mail Service)
• International Parcel Post (Airmail)
• International Parcel Post (Surface mail)
• Economy Air (SAL) ※Currently suspended
• Small Packets
• FedEx
• DHL
• Yamato Transport（UPS）

or more details, please refer to the link below:
International Shipping Guide ~Master Shipping Methods and Fee Calculations in One Go!~

Related Article:

BEX Market Export Prohibited Items Keyword Auto-Display Feature ~Making Every Shopping Experience Simpler and More Secure!~

 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer support！