Restrictions · Pillar Guide
What You Can’t Ship from Japan: Restricted & Prohibited Items
Some items can’t leave Japan by post or courier — and some can’t enter your country. Here’s the practical rundown so you don’t fall for a listing you can never receive.
Commonly restricted for export from Japan
- Flammables — perfume, cologne, aerosols, nail polish, lighters (often banned by air).
- Loose lithium batteries — frequently prohibited; devices may ship without them.
- Dangerous goods — chemicals, pressurized items, magnets in some cases.
- Replica weapons — airsoft, model guns, swords and certain knives.
- Perishables — fresh food and some liquids.
Commonly restricted for import to your country
- Food, supplements & medicine — rules vary widely; many are limited or banned.
- Adult material — age-restricted and prohibited to import in some places.
- Wildlife/animal products — ivory, certain leathers, shells (often banned).
- Counterfeits — illegal to import and subject to seizure.
- Weapons & replicas — many countries restrict import too.
Gray areas & method-dependent items
Some items ship only by certain methods or in limited quantities — for example, devices with built-in batteries, small amounts of certain liquids, or items that need a slower surface service. A good proxy will tell you before purchase whether and how something can ship, rather than after it’s bought.
What to do instead
- Check before buying — confirm an item can ship to your country.
- Buy the device, source consumables locally — e.g. order a camera, buy the battery at home.
- Ask the proxy — they’ll flag restricted items and decline prohibited ones.
- Never disguise restricted goods — it risks seizure, penalties and voided insurance.
Not sure if your item can ship?
Get a free quote — we’ll check shipping eligibility before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What can’t be shipped from Japan?
Commonly: flammables (perfume, aerosols), loose lithium batteries, food and medicine (country-dependent), replica weapons, and certain regulated or adult goods.
Can I ship perfume or aerosols?
Usually not by air — they’re flammable and among the most commonly prohibited items.
Are there restrictions in my own country too?
Yes — your country restricts certain imports (food, medicine, adult material, wildlife products and more). Check both ends.