I want to send a package to my friend in the U.S., but I'm worried because it's my first time to do so.
The rules and required documents for sending packages overseas differ from those when sending packages in Japan.
They also vary depending on the destination country or territory.
I see. The procedures for sending packages overseas seem difficult.
I don't understand English, either.
In just 2 minutes you can learn how to send packages overseas.
There are customs inspections and other procedures before a package arrives at an overseas destination.
It is essential to follow the appropriate procedures to send packages overseas.
Are the items listed on the customs declaration the same as the contents of your package?
Customs inspection when shipping from Japan
Dangerous items cannot be transported.
International Transportation
Check the whether the contents may be imported.
Customs inspection upon arrival in the destination country or territory
We will deliver it with care.
Delivery at destination
Step1
Check whether the item(s) can be sent.
Step2
Check whether the item(s) can be sent.
Step3
Prepare a shipping label and other documents.
Step4
Put the item(s) into a package.
Step5
Mail the package.
Step1
Check whether the item(s) can be sent.
I've heard that there are things that can't be sent overseas, but what can't be sent?
For example, did you know that perfume cannot be sent to any country?
In international mail service, there are (1) items that cannot be sent anywhere in the world and (2) items that cannot be sent depending on the destination country. Be sure to check before sending, otherwise your package may be returned or even seized by customs.
For example, you can’t send these things.
Examples of dangerous items that cannot be loaded on aircraft or ships.
Spray cans
Perfume
Fireworks/
firecrackers
Items containing over 24% alcoholSunblock
Nail polish
Items containing over 24% alcoholHair tonic
Electronic cigarettesAlcoholic beverages
Electronic cigarettes
Portable battery charger
Examples of prohibited items that people often try to send
Liquor
Tobacco
Meat / Vegetables / Fruits
In cases where beef is prohibited, the following items may not be sent:
Instant cup noodles
Curry
Instant consomme
For packaging materials (cardboard boxes, bags, etc.),
the following items may not be sent:
Reusing packaging materials and boxes with pictures of meat products, vegetables, fruits, etc. as shown below may suggest prohibited items, so we may not be able to accept your package.
Step2
Choose a mailing method.
Now I know what I can send, but how do I choose how to send it?
There are a variety of ways to send items, depending on the size of your package, the postage rate, the time needed for delivery, etc. Currently, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the handling of some items may be suspended temporarily depending on the mailing method and the destination country/territory.
First, check the situation in the destination country/territory.
Depending on the destination country/territory, available mailing methods may differ or service may be temporarily suspended due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, first check the "Service availability by country/territory" or "Check the postage rate and the time needed for delivery" below.
On the page for "Check the postage rate and time needed for delivery", you can find the delivery time, postage rate, and shipping availability for each mailing method by entering the destination, items to be sent, and their weight.
Mailing methods that are currently unavailable are shown in gray.
Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery may take more time than indicated.
Available services differ depending on the size of the package. You can choose a mailing method that fits your needs according to the postage rate and time needed for delivery.
Reasonable
Rates
Expensive
When time matters less
Time needed for delivery
When time matters
Surface mail
Although it takes time, it’s inexpensive.
SAL
It’s less expensive than airmail and quicker than surface mail.
Airmail
Delivery is quick via air transport.
EMS
Delivery is the fastest among international mail services.
Large package2 kg or more
International parcels
This is a basic international mail service. The sending method can be selected according to the desired delivery speed and postage rate.
EMS is handled with the highest priority among international mail services and delivered promptly.
Small packageLess than 2 kg
Small packets
Small, light items can be sent inexpensively compared with EMS. You can select the delivery speed.
All SAL shipments have been temporarily suspended.
This service can be used by preparing a special label online for sending a small packet via SAL with tracking service.
I want it to be delivered quickly, so I think EMS is good.
Choosing a mailing method by comparing the postage rate and time needed for delivery.
Compare
by rates
From Tokyo to Seoul,
South Korea
In case of a shipment of 5kg
Compare by time needed for delivery
From Tokyo to Seoul,
South Korea
The time required for customs clearance is not included. Delivery times vary depending on the transportation method, customs clearance, local handling conditions, etc.
The insured value for indemnification in the event of loss or damage and tracking availability also vary, so please check the details of each service.
Mailing methods that are currently unavailable are shown in gray.
Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery may take more time than indicated.
Step3
Prepare a shipping label and other documents.
Now I understand how to send a package, but how do I prepare a shipping label? What are the required documents?
Just as you submit your passport and immigration documents when traveling abroad, you need documents for customs inspection when sending packages overseas.
With the International Mail My Page Service, you can easily prepare a shipping label and necessary documents all at one time.
What is International Mail My Page Service?
It’s a free tool provided by Japan Post specifically for sending international mail.
You can prepare a shipping label and other documents required for overseas shipments.
The information you enter will be sent to the destination country/territory as Electronic Advance Data (EAD).
This tool is easy to use not only on a computer but also on a smartphone, so we can prepare the necessary documents without worry.
Exactly! It's easy once you learn how to use it.
You can see how to use the International Mail My Page Service in this video.
Step1
Enter the required information via the International Mail My Page Service.
Step2
Print out a shipping label from your own printer.
Step3
Receive a pouch at a post office.
Step4
Put the printed shipping label in the pouch and attach the pouch to the package.
What is a pouch?
It’s a bag for attaching necessary documents to a package.
The pouch is half the size of an A4 sheet of paper, so the package should be large enough for attaching it.
Step1
Enter the required information via the International Mail My Page Service.
Step2
A 2D URL code will be sent to the email address you specify.
Step3
Go to a post office and scan the 2D code using a dedicated Yu-pri Touch terminal there.
Step4
The shipping label will be printed out.
Step5
Please mail your package at the postal service counter.
If you have prepared a shipping label with three or more items on your smartphone, a number for printing the label will be displayed on My Page instead of a 2D code. Please show the number to the clerk at the postal service counter.
If you go a post office without a Yu-pri Touch terminal, please tell the reference number for printing the label to the postal clerk.
CAUTION!
Handwritten labels can no longer be used for sending goods.
In 2021, it became mandatory to transmit Electronic Advance Data (EAD) for enhanced security when sending items containing dutiable articles via international mail.
EAD digitizes information, such as the sender’s name and address and contents of a package,
for advance transmission to the customs office in the destination country/territory.
When sending goods overseas, please use the International Mail My Page Service which can transmit EAD.
Now, do you understand how to use the International Mail My Page Service?
Here are three documents that can be prepared using the International Mail My Page Service.
Shipping label
This is a document that describes the information necessary for sending a package overseas, such as the sender’s and recipient’s information, names of the contents, and number of items.
Customs declaration
This is a document that declares the contents of a package to the customs authorities of both the sending and receiving countries when sending packages overseas.
Invoice
This is a document required for customs declaration and inspection when sending packages overseas.
An invoice is required when sending items having a total value of over 200,000 yen.
I know the documents are easy to prepare, but I guess we have to do it in English. Can we abbreviate the names of the contents?
No.
Enter the detailed names of goods, instead of generic names or trade names.
For example, when sending a stuffed doll or animal, write the name of the article as stuffed doll or animal, instead of the generic name ‘toy’ or the trade name.
Effective September 22nd, 2023, when sending postal items to some European countries/territories, it is recommended that you transmit HS codes or sub-codes of goods.
The HS code is used for classifying exported and imported products.
(Example) Dictionary 4901910000
How to search and send HS codes is explained below the video.
Failure to comply with the requirements above may result in your package not passing customs inspection. It may be returned or the recipient may be asked to pay large customs duties.
Step 4
Put the item(s) into a package.
Is a special packaging method required to send items overseas?
Shipping overseas takes a long time and may involve many transshipments. The delivery method at the destination may also differ from that in Japan.
Please pack more carefully than for domestic shipments to ensure secure delivery of a precious item to the destination without damage.
What to prepare
A tough cardboard box (a thick box such as a two-ply carton)
Avoid using empty boxes of perishable foods such as meat and vegetables or electrical appliances.Such boxes may be suspected of containing items that are prohibited from being imported, depending on the destination county/territory.
Click here for dedicated packaging products for EMS.
Adhesive cloth packing tape
Plastic bags
(Protects the contents from water and dirt)
Cushioning materials
How to pack
Apply packing tape as shown in the picture.
It prevents water from entering and increases strength.
Putting cloth packing tape on the edges and in the center of the box makes the box even stronger.
Affix the shipping label so that it does not cover the opening.
Use cushioning materials because the package will be fragile if there is a gap between the box and the contents.
Do not bind multiple boxes together with packing tape or string to make one box.
Services for "Fragile items" and "This side up" are not available for overseas shipments. If you want to send such items, apply double packaging.
Checklist
Now, do you understand the procedures for sending items overseas?
Let's review using a checklist.
If you have any questions, please contact your local post office.
Step5
Mail the package.
I understand the procedure until shipping, but I wonder if someone will come to pick up our package?
When your package is ready, take it to your local post office or ask for pick-up service. Pick-up service is available only for EMS and international parcels.
FAQ about international mail
International Mail My Page Service
Troubles regarding international mail
Points to note about receiving mail
Points to note regarding packaging
How to put required information on postal items
Sending insured remittances overseas
For inquiries about international mail by phone, please call the following numbers.
(You cannot call from overseas.)
Mobile phone:
0570-046-666 (Chargeable call)
For English:
【Service hours】
Daily 8:00～21:00
Outside of service hours or when it is difficult to get through to a service representative…
Please check the FAQ.
Insert 13-digits tracking number
If you have any questions, please contact your local post office.