Certain items are restricted from entering Japan by the Japanese government. If an item is restricted, certain conditions must be met for those items to be admitted into Japan. The following is a brief list of items that are restricted and the conditions under which they may enter into Japan.

· No one may bring hunting guns, air guns or swords into Japan without a permit to possess.

· Plants and animals entering Japan must be presented to the plant or animal quarantine officer for quarantine inspection prior to Customs examination.

· Restricted items include, but are not limited to, certain agricultural and meat products, endangered species, and products such as ivory, animal parts and fur whose international trade is banned by international treaty.

· There are also quantity restrictions on the import of medicines and cosmetics for personal use. Medicines taken internally are limited to the amount required for a period of two months, as a general rule; medicines taken externally are limited to 24 pieces or less of each type; cosmetics are limited to 24 pieces or less of each type. However, any items that may cause damage to health are restricted, regardless of their quantity.

· In addition, Japan imposes restrictions on the sale or use of certain products, including those related to health, such as medical products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and chemicals. For these products, Japanese Customs reviews and evaluates the product for import suitability before shipment to Japan. The use of certain chemicals and other additives in foods and cosmetics is severely regulated and follows a “positive list” approach.