Can I ship sake or whisky to the United States?

The United States lists alcoholic beverages as prohibited by post, so no. Whisky is also above the 24% carrier-wide limit, which refuses it to every destination.

What is the 24% ABV limit?

Japan Post's carrier-wide rule accepts alcoholic beverages only when the alcohol content is at or below 24% by volume and the item is packed and declared as the rule requires. Stronger drinks are treated as flammable liquids and refused everywhere.

Does the destination's own alcohol rule override Japan Post's?

Both apply. A destination that prohibits alcohol refuses it even at low strength; a destination that lists it as conditional adds its conditions on top of the 24% limit and the packing rule.

Can I ship alcohol (sake, whisky) from Japan?

Japan Post rules checked across 179 destinations · last verified October 2, 2026 · guide reviewed 31 October 2026

Short answer: It depends on the destination and the strength. Japan Post's carrier-wide rule accepts alcoholic beverages only up to 24% ABV and under packing conditions. On top of that, some destinations prohibit alcohol by post, among them the United States, Canada and Brazil, while others such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and South Korea list it as conditional.

Two rules stack. The carrier-wide one is about flammability: anything above 24% alcohol by volume is refused regardless of destination, which rules out most whisky, shochu and spirits, and leaves sake, beer, wine and liqueurs under 24% subject to Japan Post's packing and declaration conditions.

The destination rule is about import law. Several countries do not accept alcohol through the post at all, and a destination's prohibition applies even when the carrier-wide conditions are met. Where a destination lists alcohol as conditional, its conditions (permits, quantities, duty) apply in addition.

Whether a specific product can go in a specific parcel is decided per item: the ShipMate GO app asks the follow-up questions a rule needs and gives a verdict before anything is booked.

Japan Post's carrier-wide rules

These apply to every destination, before any country's own import rules.

Alcoholic beverages / Liquor
Conditional
Alcoholic beverages are conditionally accepted for international shipment. The alcohol content must be confirmed to be 24% ABV or below, and the item description field must include the notation 'Not Restricted, as per Special Provision A58'.
- Alcohol by volume ≤ 24% AND item description field includes 'Not Restricted, as per Special Provision A58' — permitted
Source: Japan PostHS chapter 22On the full list

Destinations with their own rule for alcohol

81 of the 179 destinations Japan Post publishes rules for list alcohol in their own import rules. Each row links to that destination's full list.

Destination	Rule	Level	Japan Post's wording
Afghanistan	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Afghanistan via regular and parcel shipping. No alcoholic drinks of any kind may be sent. source
Algeria	Wine without origin labeling / Wine unfit for consumption due to deterioration	Prohibited	Wine that does not display its country or region of origin, and wine that has deteriorated and is unfit for consumption, are prohibited from shipment to Algeri… source
Algeria	Alcoholic beverages and vinegar	Conditional	Fermented or distilled alcoholic beverages and vinegar are conditionally permitted for shipment to Algeria. Importation is allowed only when the required ONCV… source
Argentina	Alcohol etc. (Alcoholic Beverages)	Prohibited	Alcohol and brandy are prohibited for shipment to Argentina via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction covers alcoholic beverages including brandy. source
Belarus	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages, ethyl alcohol, and alcohol-based products are prohibited from shipment to Belarus via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are… source
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages that contain sulfuric acid are prohibited from shipment to Bosnia and Herzegovina via regular and parcel services. This restriction applies… source
Brazil	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Brazil via regular mail, parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are indicated in the source. source
Cambodia	Wine	Prohibited	Wine is prohibited from shipment to Cambodia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source. source
Canada	Alcoholic Beverages (including Wine)	Prohibited	All alcoholic beverages, including wine, are prohibited for shipment to Canada via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Samples of alcoholic beverages and wine a… source
Colombia	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Colombia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source. source
Côte d'Ivoire	Alcoholic beverages (specific prohibited categories)	Prohibited	Certain categories of alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Côte d'Ivoire via all services, including aperitifs and digestifs containing alcohol,… source
Côte d'Ivoire	Distilled spirits	Conditional	Distilled spirits may only be shipped to Côte d'Ivoire if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country. This restri… source
Croatia	Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages that contain sulfuric acid are prohibited from shipment to Croatia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies specific… source
Cuba	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being shipped to Cuba via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source. source
Djibouti	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Djibouti via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are indicated in the source. source
El Salvador	Beverages: wines diluted from concentrated grape wine and sold as foreign products	Prohibited	Beverages made by diluting concentrated grape wine and then sold as foreign-made products are prohibited from being shipped to El Salvador via parcel or EMS. T… source
	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 45 degrees or higher are permitted only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of th… source
	Distilled spirits	Conditional	Distilled spirits made from sugarcane are permitted only when imported by the government of El Salvador. Other distilled spirits shipments are subject to this… source
France	Alcohol – anise-flavored spirits ≥45% ABV, and bitters/similar beverages ≥30% ABV with ≤200g/L sugar	Prohibited	Anise-flavored alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 45% ABV or higher are prohibited. Bitters, bittering agents, tar water, gentian bitters, and simi… source
	Wine not meeting French legal conditions (manufactured outside France)	Prohibited	Wine manufactured in a country other than France is prohibited if it does not satisfy the conditions stipulated by the French law of 1 February 1899. This rest… source
	Wine and grape-based beverages	Conditional	Grape juice, grape must, and all alcoholic beverages made from grapes (including wine) are conditionally permitted, provided they meet the conditions establish… source
French Guiana	Alcohol and certain alcoholic beverages	Prohibited	Alcohol, anise-flavored alcoholic beverages with 45% ABV or higher, and similar bitter/tonic liqueurs (bitters, bittering agents, tar water, gentian bitters, a… source
	Wine not meeting the conditions of the destination country's law of 1 February 1899	Prohibited	Wine manufactured in a country other than French Guiana that does not satisfy the conditions stipulated by the destination country's law of 1 February 1899 is… source
	Wine and grape-based beverages	Conditional	Grape juice, grape liquid, and all alcoholic beverages made from grapes are conditionally permitted, provided they comply with the conditions established by th… source
French Polynesia	Alcoholic beverages for appetite stimulation	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages intended for appetite stimulation are prohibited from being shipped to French Polynesia via regular shipping. This restriction applies spec… source
Ghana	Harmful Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages classified as harmful are prohibited from being shipped to Ghana via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction applies specifically to harm… source
Guadeloupe	Alcohol and certain alcoholic beverages	Prohibited	Prohibited items include anise-flavored alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 45 degrees or more, as well as bitters, bittering agents, tar water, gen… source
	Wine not meeting the conditions of Guadeloupe's law of 1 February 1899	Prohibited	Wine manufactured outside Guadeloupe that does not satisfy the conditions stipulated in Guadeloupe's law of 1 February 1899 is prohibited. This applies to ship… source
	Wine and grape-based beverages	Conditional	Grape juice, grape-based liquids, and all alcoholic beverages made from grapes are conditionally permitted, provided they comply with the conditions establishe… source
India	Alcoholic beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being shipped to India via EMS. No exceptions are stated in the source text. source
India	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to India. They are allowed only when the shipper or consignee holds authorization from the Chief C… source
Indonesia	Absinthe and Similar Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Absinthe and similar alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Indonesia via regular and parcel shipping. This restriction covers absinthe as well as… source
Iran	Alcoholic beverages, gambling equipment, animal hides forbidden by Islam, musical instruments, fashion magazines	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages, gambling equipment, animal hides forbidden under Islamic law, musical instruments, and fashion magazines are prohibited from being shipped… source
Iraq	Sugar confectionery containing whisky or other beverages	Prohibited	Sugar confectionery that contains whisky or other beverages is prohibited from being shipped to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to any… source
Iraq	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted to Iraq only when addressed to a government-authorized wholesaler. Shipments to any other recipient are not per… source
Israel	Wine and alcoholic beverages lacking required labeling	Prohibited	Wine and alcoholic beverages are prohibited when the container does not bear the nature of the product, country of origin, and the name and address of both the… source
Israel	Whisky	Conditional	Whisky may only be shipped to Israel if accompanied by a permit that states the vintage year and certifies that the whisky was placed in a wooden cask at least… source
Kazakhstan	Alcoholic Products (including Ethyl Alcohol and Beer)	Prohibited	Alcoholic products, ethyl alcohol, and beer cannot be sent to Kazakhstan for personal use via regular or parcel shipping. Import may be permitted when shipment… source
Liberia	Alcoholic Beverages and Toxic Substances	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages and all toxic substances are prohibited from shipment to Liberia via regular and parcel post. No exceptions are stated in the source. source
Liechtenstein	Artificial wine and artificial cider (and articles used to manufacture them)	Prohibited	Artificial wine, artificial cider, and articles used in the manufacture of artificial wine or cider are prohibited from shipment to Liechtenstein via regular m… source
Liechtenstein	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 75% or more (up to 78% for wine, cognac, armagnac, rum, and taffia; no more than 80% for all others) may only be… source
Madagascar	Wine without country of origin labeling	Prohibited	Wine that does not bear a country of origin indication is prohibited from being shipped to Madagascar. This applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shippi… source
Madagascar	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are subject to restriction; absinthe and similar alcoholic beverages are permitted only when authorization has been obtained from the relev… source
Marshall Islands	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to the Marshall Islands via regular mail and parcel post. No exceptions are stated in the source. source
Martinique	Alcohol / Anise-flavored alcoholic beverages ≥45% ABV and similar bitter/gentian liqueurs ≥30% ABV with ≤200g/L sugar	Prohibited	Prohibited for shipment to Martinique via Regular, Parcel, and EMS are: anise-flavored alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 45% ABV or higher, and si… source
	Wine not meeting Martinique's conditions (manufactured outside Martinique)	Prohibited	Wine manufactured outside Martinique is prohibited unless it meets the conditions stipulated by Martinique's law of 1 February 1899. Wine that does not satisfy… source
	Wine and grape-based beverages	Conditional	Grape juice, grape must, and all alcoholic beverages made from grapes are conditionally permitted to Martinique via Regular and EMS shipping, provided they mee… source
Mauritania	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being shipped to Mauritania via regular and parcel services. This includes alcohol-soluble extracts and preparations us… source
Mauritania	Alcoholic beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages (excluding absinthe, its imitations, and palm wine) are permitted only if the parcel bears a label stating the product name, manufacturer,… source
Micronesia	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to the Federated States of Micronesia via regular and parcel shipping. No exceptions are indicated in the sour… source
Monaco	Wine not meeting Monaco's legal requirements (manufactured outside Monaco)	Prohibited	Wine manufactured outside Monaco that does not meet the conditions stipulated by Monaco's laws is prohibited. This applies across regular, parcel, and EMS ship… source
Monaco	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are permitted only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Monaco). Shipment is cond… source
Montenegro	Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages that contain sulfuric acid are prohibited from shipment to Montenegro via regular and parcel services. This restriction applies to both shi… source
Morocco	Alcoholic beverages (certain categories)	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited when they exceed the alcohol content permitted by Moroccan law, contain one gram or more of extracts per liter, or contain s… source
Morocco	Wine (alcohol content 10% or below, or inferior-quality wine)	Prohibited	Wine with an alcohol content of 10% or below, and inferior-quality wine, are prohibited from shipment to Morocco. This applies to regular mail, parcel, and EMS… source
New Caledonia	Absinthe and similar alcoholic beverages	Prohibited	Absinthe and similar alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to New Caledonia via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This prohibition applies across all s… source
New Caledonia	Alcoholic beverages made from dried grapes, figs, dates, or similar fruits sold as wine	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages produced from dried grapes, figs, dates, or similar fruits that are marketed or sold as wine are prohibited for shipment to New Caledonia.… source
North Macedonia	Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages that contain sulfuric acid are prohibited from shipment to Macedonia (MKD) via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies… source
Palau	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Palau via regular and parcel shipping. No exceptions are stated in the source. source
Philippines	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	All types of alcoholic beverages — including distilled spirits, wine, beer, and all other varieties — are prohibited from shipment to the Philippines via Regul… source
Réunion	Alcohol / Alcoholic Beverages (specific prohibited categories)	Prohibited	Certain alcoholic beverages are prohibited for shipment to Réunion, specifically: anise-flavored spirits with 45% ABV or higher, and bitters, bittering agents,… source
	Wine not meeting the conditions of the destination country's law of 1 February 1899	Prohibited	Wine manufactured in a country other than Réunion is prohibited unless it meets the conditions stipulated by Réunion's law of 1 February 1899. Wine that does n… source
	Wine and grape-based beverages	Conditional	Grape juice, grape liquid, and all alcoholic beverages made from grapes (including wine) are conditionally permitted to Réunion, provided they meet the conditi… source
Saudi Arabia	Alcohol and Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcohol and alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being shipped to Saudi Arabia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are indicated. source
Senegal	Alcoholic Beverages (specific prohibited categories)	Prohibited	Certain categories of alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Senegal, including appetite-stimulating or digestive alcoholic drinks, beverages cont… source
Senegal	Distilled spirits	Conditional	Distilled spirits may only be shipped to Senegal if the sender or shipment has obtained authorization from the relevant authorities of the destination country.… source
Serbia	Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages that contain sulfuric acid are prohibited from shipment to Serbia via regular and parcel shipping. This restriction applies to both shippin… source
Slovenia	Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages that contain sulfuric acid are prohibited from shipment to Slovenia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies specifi… source
Sweden	Wine	Prohibited	Wine is prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via EMS. This restriction applies regardless of wine type or quantity. source
	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages containing 1.8% or more alcohol by weight (including wine) and beer containing 2.8% or more alcohol by weight are conditionally permitted,… source
	Beer	Conditional	Beer is conditionally permitted for shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. It is only allowed when the packaging carries the required labeli… source
Tunisia	Adulterated or non-standard wine	Prohibited	Wine that has been adulterated, produced using dried grapes (raisins), or to which sugar or molasses has been added, as well as mistelle, is prohibited from sh… source
Tunisia	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages including liqueurs, vermouth, alcohol, brandy, rum, gin, and whisky are conditionally permitted for shipment to Tunisia. Such items are onl… source
Ukraine	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Ukraine via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are indicated in the source. source
United Kingdom	Alcoholic beverages with alcohol content exceeding 24% ABV	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 24% ABV are prohibited from shipment to the United Kingdom via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Beverag… source
United Kingdom	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 24% ABV or less are conditionally permitted, provided they are wrapped in polyethylene with sufficient absorbent… source
United States	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being shipped to the United States via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies across all listed sh… source
Vanuatu	Alcohol and certain alcoholic beverages	Prohibited	Alcohol is prohibited to Vanuatu via Regular and Parcel shipping. This includes anise-flavored spirits of 45% ABV or above, bitters, bittering agents, tar wate… source
	Wine (not meeting Vanuatu's conditions)	Prohibited	Wine manufactured outside Vanuatu is prohibited unless it meets the conditions specified in Vanuatu's law of 1 February 1899. Wine produced in a country other… source
	Wine and grape-based beverages	Conditional	Grape juice, grape liquid, and all alcoholic beverages made from grapes (including wine) are conditionally permitted for shipment to Vanuatu. They are allowed… source
Wallis and Futuna	Alcoholic Beverages	Prohibited	All alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being shipped to Wallis and Futuna via regular mail and parcel services. No exceptions are stated in the source. source
Wallis and Futuna	Alcoholic beverages made from raisins, figs, dates, or similar fruits and sold as wine	Prohibited	Alcoholic beverages produced from raisins, figs, dates, or similar fruits that are marketed or sold as wine are prohibited for shipment to Wallis and Futuna vi… source
Austria	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages — including ethyl alcohol (whether denatured or not), brandy, and other spirits, but excluding rum, arak, cognac, and liqueurs — are condit… source
China	Wine	Conditional	Wine is conditionally permitted to China via Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipments. The value of wine per postal item must not exceed 1,000 Chinese Yuan (CNY). source
Cook Islands	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages may only be shipped to the Cook Islands if the sender or consignee has obtained authorization from the relevant authorities at the destinat… source
Czech Republic	Beverages, Spirits, and Vinegar	Conditional	Shipments of beverages, spirits, and vinegar to the Czech Republic are conditionally permitted. Commercial shipments require a permit from the destination coun… source
Denmark	Alcohol (alcoholic beverages and wine)	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages and wine may only be imported by companies that have obtained permission from the Danish customs authorities. However, small quantities add… source
Ecuador	Alcohol (sugarcane-derived spirits and substances)	Conditional	Distilled spirits and other substances derived from sugarcane are only permitted when addressed to pharmaceutical companies or other organizations that have ob… source
Finland	Alcoholic Beverages and Related Products	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are only permitted when addressed to 'OY ALKO AB' and sent as trade samples. However, products with low alcohol content such as perfumes, l… source
Germany	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted to Germany, provided that the relevant regulations of the destination country are complied with. Applies to Reg… source
Germany	Wine	Conditional	Beverages containing wine (including all varieties) are conditionally permitted to Germany, provided the relevant regulations of the destination country are co… source
Greenland	Alcohol (including wine)	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages and wine may only be imported by companies that have obtained permission from Greenland's customs authorities. However, small quantities ad… source
Guinea	Distilled spirits	Conditional	Distilled spirits may only be shipped to Guinea if the sender or recipient has obtained authorization from the relevant authorities in the destination country.… source
Hong Kong	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages may be shipped to Hong Kong provided the container bears a label clearly stating the alcohol content, and the accompanying postal documenta… source
Ireland	Commercial samples (wine, tea, or dried fruit)	Conditional	Commercial samples of wine, tea, or dried fruit may be shipped to Ireland under specific weight limits. Wine samples must not exceed 340 grams, while tea and d… source
Jamaica	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to Jamaica via regular, parcel, and EMS services. Specific conditions apply and must be observed b… source
Jordan	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to Jordan, provided that each container bears an external label clearly stating the nature of the… source
Kenya	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for import into Kenya via parcel or EMS. Shipment is allowed only when accompanied by a certificate confirming… source
Lebanon	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to Lebanon. Each container must bear a label stating the ingredients, country of origin, and the n… source
Lebanon	Alcoholic beverages containing salicylic acid	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages containing salicylic acid may only be shipped to Lebanon if they pass a chemical inspection in the destination country. Shipment is conditi… source
Luxembourg	Wine (including grape by-products such as grape juice)	Conditional	Wine and grape by-products (including grape juice) may be shipped to Luxembourg only if they do not violate the laws and regulations of the destination country. source
Mexico	Wine and Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Wine and alcoholic beverages may only be shipped to Mexico if the sender has obtained authorization from the relevant authority (Secretariat du commerce) in th… source
New Zealand	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are permitted to New Zealand only if authorisation has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country. This conditi… source
Norway	Alcohol (including alcoholic beverages)	Conditional	Alcohol, including alcoholic beverages, may only be shipped to Norway if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination count… source
Norway	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages containing more than 0.7% alcohol by weight (including wine) and beer containing more than 2.5% alcohol by volume are permitted only when i… source
Oman	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages may only be shipped to Oman if the sender has obtained prior permission from the relevant authorities (la police du Sultanat d'Oman). This… source
Pitcairn Islands	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are permitted to Pitcairn only when accompanied by a licence issued by the Governor of the destination. Shipment via regular and parcel ser… source
Slovakia	Beverages, Distilled Spirits, and Vinegar	Conditional	Importing beverages, distilled spirits, and vinegar into Slovakia for commercial purposes requires a permit issued by the destination country's Ministry of Eco… source
South Africa	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to South Africa via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. A permit issued by the Administering Office… source
South Korea	Alcoholic beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are permitted only for personal use or as a gift, limited to one bottle of up to 1 litre. Liquor tax and education tax apply to all types o… source
Tanzania	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to Tanzania. They are only allowed when accompanied by a certificate confirming that the beverage… source
Tonga	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages may only be shipped as samples, provided the quantity does not exceed 0.57 litres and they are not packed together with other goods. source
Turkey	Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Tobacco and alcoholic beverages may only be sent to Turkey when shipped by a company for commercial purposes. Personal or non-commercial shipments of these ite… source
Uganda	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to Uganda via Parcel and EMS. A certificate must be attached confirming that the beverage was ferm… source
United Arab Emirates	Alcoholic Beverages	Conditional	Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to the United Arab Emirates via regular, parcel, and EMS services. Specific conditions apply and m… source

No destination-specific rule for alcohol in the other 98 destinations

Japan Post's carrier-wide rules above still apply to each of them, and so does the destination's general customs law. No rule is not a statement that the item can be sent.

Not sure about a specific item?

This page lists Japan Post's rules. The ShipMate GO app checks your actual item against them, asks the one or two questions a conditional rule needs, and tells you the outcome before anything is charged. Sending a parcel from Japan? Booking is free and you pay once, after weighing. Shopping from abroad with Shop for Me? Anything that can't ship is dropped from your order before you pay for the goods.

Check an item in the app Not in Japan? Shop for Me checks it too

Common questions

Can I ship sake or whisky to the United States?: The United States lists alcoholic beverages as prohibited by post, so no. Whisky is also above the 24% carrier-wide limit, which refuses it to every destination.
What is the 24% ABV limit?: Japan Post's carrier-wide rule accepts alcoholic beverages only when the alcohol content is at or below 24% by volume and the item is packed and declared as the rule requires. Stronger drinks are treated as flammable liquids and refused everywhere.
Does the destination's own alcohol rule override Japan Post's?: Both apply. A destination that prohibits alcohol refuses it even at low strength; a destination that lists it as conditional adds its conditions on top of the 24% limit and the packing rule.

Reading this page as a program or AI assistant?

The same rules are published in forms built for that. None of them needs an API key. An item that is not listed has no specific rule here, which is not the same as being allowed.

Markdown: https://www.shipmate.jp/en/can-i-ship/alcohol.md
JSON: This guide is built from one JSON read per destination: https://www-api.shipmate.jp/restrictions/rules?destination_country={alpha-3}&scope=destination, plus scope=carrier_global. No API key is needed.
MCP: https://www-api.shipmate.jp/mcp, tool shipmate.get_restriction_rules

Site-wide guidance for agents is at /llms.txt.

Sources

Japan Post's page for each carrier-wide and destination rule above (116)

Carrier-wide: Alcoholic beverages / Liquor
Afghanistan: Alcoholic Beverages
Algeria: Wine without origin labeling / Wine unfit for consumption due to deterioration · Alcoholic beverages and vinegar
Argentina: Alcohol etc. (Alcoholic Beverages)
Belarus: Alcoholic Beverages
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid
Brazil: Alcoholic Beverages
Cambodia: Wine
Canada: Alcoholic Beverages (including Wine)
Colombia: Alcoholic Beverages
Côte d'Ivoire: Alcoholic beverages (specific prohibited categories) · Distilled spirits
Croatia: Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid
Cuba: Alcoholic Beverages
Djibouti: Alcoholic Beverages
El Salvador: Beverages: wines diluted from concentrated grape wine and sold as foreign products · Alcoholic Beverages · Distilled spirits
France: Alcohol – anise-flavored spirits ≥45% ABV, and bitters/similar beverages ≥30% ABV with ≤200g/L sugar · Wine not meeting French legal conditions (manufactured outside France) · Wine and grape-based beverages
French Guiana: Alcohol and certain alcoholic beverages · Wine not meeting the conditions of the destination country's law of 1 February 1899 · Wine and grape-based beverages
French Polynesia: Alcoholic beverages for appetite stimulation
Ghana: Harmful Alcoholic Beverages
Guadeloupe: Alcohol and certain alcoholic beverages · Wine not meeting the conditions of Guadeloupe's law of 1 February 1899 · Wine and grape-based beverages
India: Alcoholic beverages · Alcoholic Beverages
Indonesia: Absinthe and Similar Alcoholic Beverages
Iran: Alcoholic beverages, gambling equipment, animal hides forbidden by Islam, musical instruments, fashion magazines
Iraq: Sugar confectionery containing whisky or other beverages · Alcoholic Beverages
Israel: Wine and alcoholic beverages lacking required labeling · Whisky
Kazakhstan: Alcoholic Products (including Ethyl Alcohol and Beer)
Liberia: Alcoholic Beverages and Toxic Substances
Liechtenstein: Artificial wine and artificial cider (and articles used to manufacture them) · Alcoholic Beverages
Madagascar: Wine without country of origin labeling · Alcoholic Beverages
Marshall Islands: Alcoholic Beverages
Martinique: Alcohol / Anise-flavored alcoholic beverages ≥45% ABV and similar bitter/gentian liqueurs ≥30% ABV with ≤200g/L sugar · Wine not meeting Martinique's conditions (manufactured outside Martinique) · Wine and grape-based beverages
Mauritania: Alcoholic Beverages · Alcoholic beverages
Micronesia: Alcoholic Beverages
Monaco: Wine not meeting Monaco's legal requirements (manufactured outside Monaco) · Alcoholic Beverages
Montenegro: Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid
Morocco: Alcoholic beverages (certain categories) · Wine (alcohol content 10% or below, or inferior-quality wine)
New Caledonia: Absinthe and similar alcoholic beverages · Alcoholic beverages made from dried grapes, figs, dates, or similar fruits sold as wine
North Macedonia: Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid
Palau: Alcoholic Beverages
Philippines: Alcoholic Beverages
Réunion: Alcohol / Alcoholic Beverages (specific prohibited categories) · Wine not meeting the conditions of the destination country's law of 1 February 1899 · Wine and grape-based beverages
Saudi Arabia: Alcohol and Alcoholic Beverages
Senegal: Alcoholic Beverages (specific prohibited categories) · Distilled spirits
Serbia: Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid
Slovenia: Alcoholic beverages containing sulfuric acid
Sweden: Wine · Alcoholic Beverages · Beer
Tunisia: Adulterated or non-standard wine · Alcoholic Beverages
Ukraine: Alcoholic Beverages
United Kingdom: Alcoholic beverages with alcohol content exceeding 24% ABV · Alcoholic Beverages
United States: Alcoholic Beverages
Vanuatu: Alcohol and certain alcoholic beverages · Wine (not meeting Vanuatu's conditions) · Wine and grape-based beverages
Wallis and Futuna: Alcoholic Beverages · Alcoholic beverages made from raisins, figs, dates, or similar fruits and sold as wine
Austria: Alcoholic Beverages
China: Wine
Cook Islands: Alcoholic Beverages
Czech Republic: Beverages, Spirits, and Vinegar
Denmark: Alcohol (alcoholic beverages and wine)
Ecuador: Alcohol (sugarcane-derived spirits and substances)
Finland: Alcoholic Beverages and Related Products
Germany: Alcoholic Beverages · Wine
Greenland: Alcohol (including wine)
Guinea: Distilled spirits
Hong Kong: Alcoholic Beverages
Ireland: Commercial samples (wine, tea, or dried fruit)
Jamaica: Alcoholic Beverages
Jordan: Alcoholic Beverages
Kenya: Alcoholic Beverages
Lebanon: Alcoholic Beverages · Alcoholic beverages containing salicylic acid
Luxembourg: Wine (including grape by-products such as grape juice)
Mexico: Wine and Alcoholic Beverages
New Zealand: Alcoholic Beverages
Norway: Alcohol (including alcoholic beverages) · Alcoholic Beverages
Oman: Alcoholic Beverages
Pitcairn Islands: Alcoholic Beverages
Slovakia: Beverages, Distilled Spirits, and Vinegar
South Africa: Alcoholic Beverages
South Korea: Alcoholic beverages
Tanzania: Alcoholic Beverages
Tonga: Alcoholic Beverages
Turkey: Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverages
Uganda: Alcoholic Beverages
United Arab Emirates: Alcoholic Beverages