Can I take baby formula through security in Japan?

What the rule says

Japan follows the international rules on dangerous goods, set out by the Civil Aviation Bureau.

What that means in practice

Japanese convenience stores and drugstores sell liquid baby formula in cartons, so you can restock easily once you arrive.

Before you get to the checkpoint

• On an international flight every container of liquid must be 100ml or less, inside one transparent re-sealable bag of 1 litre or less.
• Domestic flights inside Japan have no liquid limit at all.
• Medicine, baby milk and special dietary food are exempt — carry them separately and tell the officer.
• Take the bag out of your luggage and put it in its own tray.

Why the rule is what it is

It is neither dangerous goods nor something that could be used as a weapon, so neither rule applies to it.

If it is refused

You cannot go back and check it in once you are at the screening point. It is taken from you and disposed of, and there is no compensation. Some Japanese airports have a post counter before security where you can mail it to yourself.

Who decides

The officer at the checkpoint, applying the national rules and your airline's own conditions. Where the airline is stricter, the airline wins.

You can buy this in Japan

Where to buy it

Drugstores and supermarkets sell liquid formula in cartons

Worth weighing against the space it takes in your bag. Most of this is cheaper in Japan than the excess baggage fee, and hundred-yen shops carry the everyday version of almost everything.

Food and drink on a flight to Japan

Airport security rarely stops food. The Japanese border does.

• On the plane, food is only a problem when it is a liquid or has a heat source in it. Sauces, soups and yoghurt count as liquids on international flights.
• At the Japanese border the rules change completely: anything containing meat is banned, and so is most fresh fruit and veg.
• Eat your in-flight meal on board. Taking a sandwich or cut fruit off the plane counts as bringing it into Japan.
• Packaged snacks, biscuits, chocolate and instant noodles without meat are all fine.

Related items

• Bottled drinks (PET bottles)
• Water bottle / thermos
• Alcohol (bottles of sake, whisky, wine)
• Snacks and sweets
• Food and packed meals
• Self-heating meals