Moving to Japan British citizens must produce the following documents: (1) Packing list written in English. (2) Passport copies of the declarant as well as photo page, information page, entry stamp (date of entry permit) and visa page. In case when the shipment is arriving not from UK, the visa from the country the shipment originates from is required. (3) Customs Form C-5360 “DECLARATION OF ACCOMPANIED PERSONAL EFFECTS AND UNACCOMPANIED ARTICLES”. This form must be filled before entering the country, it can also be completed at customs of arrival airport. It is available from the flight attendants on board the aircraft bound for Japan or at the baggage area. When you have household goods, two forms “C-5360” are needed: one form is for the customs officer; the other will be returned to you with the seal of certification. This form must then be produced to the destination agent in order for them to clear the goods arriving later. This declaration is required to obtain duty/tax exemption status. You have to be aware of that fact that this application can only be used once and cannot be applied for after leaving the customs area. Otherwise, it will cause delay when clearing your household goods.
Duties and Taxes
Your household goods and personal effects can be imported duty free if: (1) They are clearly used articles that have been in your use for at least one full year and will be for your continued use at the new residence. Clothes, toiletries and any other personal effects like moveable professional equipment, which will be used during your residence in Japan, are free of duties and/or taxes, as long as they are not intended for resale. (2) Your visa status is valid for more than one year, and you must physically be present in Japan to clear customs. (3) Your shipment arrives and is cleared within six months from your date of arrival in Japan.
Prohibited Items:
- Rice, flower seeds/bulbs, flour, straw and straw items
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, except pineapples and green bananas, meat and meat products
- Such items as rooted plants, furs, straw products, shells, meats and stuffed animals are required Quarantine Certificate
- Wildlife products from protected and endangered species
- Narcotics and drugs including over the counter cold medicines containing Pseudoephedrine
- Counterfeit or altered currency
- Pornographic or politically sensitive material like books, pictures or sculptures
- Firearms and other lethal weapons especially swords, spears, blowpipes, daggers, bolos, bows and arrows in case when the blade is more than 15 centimeters in length. Importation and/or possession of any type of weapon is strictly prohibited and will cause fines.
Note: If above items are included into your household goods, they will either be shipped back to origin or abandoned; additional costs for either option will be charged to Customer.
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