Can I bring seeds or plants to Japan?

Plants or seeds 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.

Seedlings, seeds, grains and beans that are not prohibited need a phytosanitary certificate issued by the government of the exporting country and an import inspection, regardless of quantity or intended use. Certificates are not required for certain plants; a Plant Protection Station can confirm.

Certificate

phytosanitary certificate issued by the government of the exporting country

Applies to

any quantity and any intended use

Exception

inspection certificates are not required for certain plants: ask a Plant Protection Station

Inspection fee

none

Without a certificate

the plants are disposed of

Penalty

up to three years in jail or a fine of up to three million yen

Declaring plants or seeds when you arrive

After immigration and before customs, go to the Plant Quarantine Counter and hand the phytosanitary certificate to the plant quarantine officer. Plants that pass get a "plant inspection passed" stamp; plants without the stamp cannot go through customs inspection.

If you bring plants or seeds into Japan without declaring

Plants without a phytosanitary certificate are disposed of. Importing without a certificate or without import inspection can bring up to three years in jail or a fine of up to three million yen.

Related items

• Meat and meat products
• Ham, sausage, bacon and salami
• Jerky and dried meat
• Meat buns, dumplings and gimbap
• Leftover in-flight meals
• Fresh fruit