What We Can't Ship or Buy

Some items are illegal or heavily regulated to ship between Japan and the U.S. Please read this before you send a request. This is general information, not legal advice.

We cannot source or ship

  • Illegal drugs, controlled substances and prescription medicines
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives and fireworks
  • Counterfeit, pirated or stolen goods
  • Endangered wildlife and products made from them, such as ivory
  • Weapons-related, military and other items that need an export licence
  • Anything involving sanctioned countries, companies or people
  • Cash, currency and negotiable instruments
  • Hazardous waste, human remains and other illegal materials

Only with permits or special handling

  • Alcohol, tobacco and vaping products (licences, taxes and age rules apply)
  • Food, plants, seeds, soil and meat (U.S. agriculture inspection)
  • Cosmetics, supplements and medical devices (FDA rules)
  • Lithium batteries, aerosols and flammable liquids (limited by carriers)
  • Antiques and cultural property (Japan may require export approval)
  • Used machinery and farm equipment (must arrive clean of soil and plant material)
  • Used engines and non-road machinery (EPA emissions rules may apply)

Vehicles: the 25-year rule

The U.S. generally allows a vehicle to be imported only if it is at least 25 years old, counted from its month and year of manufacture. Younger vehicles must meet U.S. safety and emissions standards, and most Japanese-market cars do not.

Vehicles under 25 years old cannot be imported through PDC unless they were originally built to U.S. standards. We only source vehicles that qualify, and each U.S. state has its own titling and registration rules.

International shipping and export rules

  • Japan screens exports under its Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, including dual-use technology and certain machinery.
  • Every shipment needs a commercial invoice, packing list, correct customs (HS) codes and a bill of lading.
  • U.S. duties, tariffs and fees depend on the product and its origin, and they change often.
  • Imports by sea need an Importer Security Filing (ISF) before the cargo is loaded.
  • Vehicles need Japanese export documents, plus EPA and DOT entry forms in the U.S.
  • Wooden crates and pallets must be heat-treated or fumigated to the ISPM 15 standard.
  • All parties are checked against sanctions and denied-party lists.
  • Real estate: ownership rules, taxes and title checks follow local law. We coordinate with local professionals but do not give legal or tax advice.

Good to know

Rules differ by product and change over time. We review every request and tell you early if we cannot proceed. For official guidance, contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), NHTSA, EPA, FDA, USDA, ATF, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and Japan's METI.

Not sure if your item qualifies?

Send a request and we will check it before you spend anything.

Start a Request
Scroll to Top