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Can I bring beef jerky to Japan?

Jerky, dried meat and meat floss are named among the meat products that cannot be brought into Japan. Any type of meat, including processed products, is subject to animal quarantine and cannot enter without an inspection certificate from the exporting country's government.

Updated

NoAllowed into Japan
QuarantineChecked by

Into Japan: noChecked on arrival

Beef jerky at the Japanese border

This is decided when you land in Japan, by the quarantine services. Airport security at your departure airport is a separate check.

Jerky, dried meat and meat floss are named among the meat products that cannot be brought into Japan. Any type of meat, including processed products, is subject to animal quarantine and cannot enter without an inspection certificate from the exporting country's government.

Named as not allowed
jerky, dried meat, meat floss
Heat processed products
cannot be brought in without an inspection certificate
Souvenirs and personal consumption
cannot be brought in without an inspection certificate
Penalty
a custodial sentence of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (up to 50 million yen for businesses)
Retort exclusion (Standard 3)
only sealed, retort-sterilised products with a moisture content over 40% or a water activity of 0.85 or more

Jerky by meat, by packaging and by paperwork

In countries such as Australia and New Zealand, the Animal Quarantine Service says, some products are sold with an inspection certificate for Japan attached. Jerky without one cannot enter.

Beef, pork, venison, horse and poultry all count
Animal quarantine covers products of cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, pig, sheep, goat and deer), horses, poultry, dogs, rabbits and bees. Poultry takes in chicken, turkey, duck, quail, ostrich and emu, so turkey jerky is treated like beef jerky. Venison has a further block: imports of deer-derived products from countries and regions affected by chronic wasting disease are suspended. Fish is not listed, so salmon jerky follows the answer for fish products.
Shop-bought, vacuum-packed or home made: same answer
The Animal Quarantine Service lists the cases that change nothing: products for yourself or as gifts, bought in a shop (including at an airport), home made, or vacuum packed. Its FAQ repeats the point for a traveller told by a duty-free shop assistant that the product could be brought in. A sealed bag of jerky from an airport shop is in the same position as jerky dried at home.
Jerky sold with a certificate for Japan
The certificate must be issued by the government of the exporting country, and the Service says it is generally difficult to get one for animal products for personal use. A pack sold with the certificate attached still has to be inspected on arrival, and the Service warns that even items allowed into Japan may be refused if they were opened before its inspection.
Dried in a pouch is not the same as canned
The Service's Exclusion Criteria take canned foods, bottled foods and retort pouch foods out of animal quarantine, on conditions. The retort standard is limited to products whose moisture content exceeds 40% or whose water activity is 0.85 or more; the other standard is for products that contain liquid. Both need an airtight container, and a reopenable zipper bag is not regarded as one. Jerky is not among the examples.

Declaring beef jerky when you arrive

Animal products that do have an inspection certificate go through import inspection at the Animal Quarantine Service counter in the baggage claim area of the arrival airport or seaport.

If you bring beef jerky into Japan without declaring

A custodial sentence of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (up to 50 million yen for businesses).

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring beef jerky to Japan?

Jerky, dried meat and meat floss are named among the meat products that cannot be brought into Japan. Any type of meat, including processed products, is subject to animal quarantine and cannot enter without an inspection certificate from the exporting country's government.

What happens if beef jerky is found in my bag at a Japanese airport?

The officer can dispose of the jerky, and an undeclared pack can lead to punishment. An Animal Quarantine Officer can ask whether you have animal products, inspect your luggage and dispose of meat brought in illegally. The Animal Quarantine Service says travellers who failed to declare meat products found in their luggage are punishable, and that the inspection takes time because your passport and boarding pass are recorded.

Can I mail beef jerky to someone in Japan?

No. Jerky is a meat product, and meat products are regulated in the same way whether they come as cargo, in personal baggage or by international mail, regardless of quantity. The quarantine notice says it is prohibited to send such items to people in Japan by international mail. The Animal Quarantine Service reports that several people have been arrested on suspicion of illegally importing livestock products in international parcels.

Is beef jerky allowed because it is dried or heat processed?

No. Jerky is listed as a processed meat product, and items without an inspection certificate cannot be brought in even if they have been heat processed.

Can I bring one small pack for myself?

No. Items without a government-issued inspection certificate cannot be brought into Japan, even if they are souvenirs or for personal consumption.

What about meat floss?

Meat floss is listed with jerky and dried meat among the examples of meat products that cannot be brought in.

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Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 2, 2026