What you can't ship from Japan to Austria
30 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 16 item types that cannot be sent to Austria and 14 that can be sent only under conditions. Separately, Japan Post applies 278 carrier-wide rules to every destination, covering dangerous goods and items banned from international mail — perfume, aerosols and lithium batteries among them. Rules last verified against Japan Post on September 1, 2026.
- Prohibited
- 16
- Conditional
- 14
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Austria. They do not repeat the items Japan Post refuses to every country — those are on one shared page, linked below. A rule marked conditional allows the item only when the stated conditions hold; whether your product qualifies is what the ShipMate GO app works out before you book.
Food
3 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Edible mushrooms not authorized for import under applicable legislation on edible mushrooms
Edible mushrooms whose import is not authorized under the legislation governing edible mushrooms are prohibited from being shipped to Austria. This prohibition applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 07
- Prohibited
Foodstuffs containing prohibited or excess harmful substances / illegal preservatives or antioxidants
Foodstuffs that contain or are contaminated with substances listed under regulations on maximum permissible levels of harmful substances, where the quantity of such substances exceeds the legally prescribed limits, are prohibited. Also prohibited are foodstuffs containing preservatives or antioxidants that are illegal under applicable legal provisions.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 21
- Prohibited
Meat and Meat Products (Spoiled, Semi-processed, Imitation, Counterfeit, or Damaged)
Meat and meat products that are spoiled, semi-processed, imitation, counterfeit, or damaged are prohibited from shipment to Austria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction covers all such articles of this kind in those conditions.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Conditional
Animal meat and animal-origin materials
Animal raw materials, products derived from animals (including eggs, egg yolk, milk, and semen), and items carrying pathogens that cause animal diseases require prior authorization from the competent authorities of the destination country. An exception applies to meat and processed meat up to 3 kg sent from one individual to another, which does not require special authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the competent authorities of the destination country → permitted
- Meat and processed meat up to 3 kg sent from one individual to another → permitted without special authorization
Documents: Authorization from the competent authorities of the destination country (required for animal raw materials, animal-origin products, and pathogen-carrying items, unless the individual-to-individual / 3 kg exemption applies)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Conditional
Egg food products
Importation of egg food products into Austria is permitted only with prior authorization from the competent authority (Instituts Federaux de controles alimentaires). Shipments lacking this authorization are not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the competent authority (Instituts Federaux de controles alimentaires) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the competent authority (Instituts Federaux de controles alimentaires)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Conditional
Foodstuffs (food additives and colorants)
Food additives that are legally permitted for import into Austria may only be shipped if they comply with regulations concerning labeling, purity, and composition. Colorants are only permitted when contained in their original packaging that is prepared in a manner that prevents leakage.
Conditions and documents
- Food additives that are legally permitted for import, and comply with regulations on labeling, purity, and composition → permitted
- Colorants contained in their original packaging prepared to prevent leakage → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 21
Medicine & supplements
2 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Narcotics
Narcotic drugs sent via regular mail are prohibited from being shipped to Austria. This restriction applies to both regular postal items and EMS.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Prohibited
Opium (smoking opium)
Opium, specifically smoking opium, is prohibited for shipment to Austria via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This item may not be sent through any of the applicable shipping channels.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Narcotics
Narcotics are conditionally permitted for shipment to Austria only when sent for medical or scientific purposes and when authorization has been obtained from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs. All other shipments of narcotics are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Sent for medical or scientific purposes AND authorization obtained from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs (Sozialministerium)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Pharmaceutical products / Medicines
Medicines and pharmaceutical products shipped to Austria are subject to special import procedures. Registered medicines imported by authorized importers do not require special permits; however, unregistered compounded medicines in small retail containers and other pharmaceutical products including vaccines, veterinary pathogens, and veterinary disinfectants require prior authorization from the competent Austrian authority (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit und Umweltschutz).
Conditions and documents
- Medicine is registered in Austria and imported by an authorized importer → Special permit not required (standard special import procedures apply)
- Unregistered compounded medicine in small retail containers → Authorization from Bundesministerium für Gesundheit und Umweltschutz required
- Pharmaceuticals, compounded medicines, vaccines, veterinary disease-causing pathogens, or veterinary disinfectants — authorization from competent Austrian authority obtained → Permitted
Documents: Authorization from the competent Austrian authority (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit und Umweltschutz) — required for unregistered compounded medicines in small retail containers, vaccines, veterinary pathogens, and veterinary disinfectants
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
Currency & valuables
1 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Registered ordinary mail containing valuables
Registered ordinary mail items containing coins, banknotes, currency, bearer securities, traveller's cheques, platinum, gold or silver (worked or unworked), pearls, gemstones, or other valuables are prohibited for shipment to Austria via regular mail. Items of this nature enclosed within registered ordinary mail parcels are not accepted.
- Conditional
Currency, Gold Coins
Currency, gold, non-circulating gold coins, and coins no longer valid as legal tender destined for Austria are only permitted if authorisation has been obtained from Austria's national bank (Oesterreichische Nationalbank). All such items require prior approval before shipment.
Conditions and documents
- Authorisation obtained from Austria's national bank (Oesterreichische Nationalbank / Banque nationale d'Autriche) → permitted
Documents: Authorisation from Austria's national bank (Oesterreichische Nationalbank / Banque nationale d'Autriche)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Imitation banknotes (replicas of banknotes issued by the national bank of the destination country)
Imitations or facsimiles of banknotes issued by Austria's national bank are only permitted when special authorisation has been obtained from that bank.
Conditions and documents
- Special authorisation obtained from the national bank of Austria → permitted
Documents: Special authorisation from Austria's national bank
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Plants & animals
2 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Animals (requiring quarantine in the destination country)
Animals that require quarantine upon arrival in Austria are prohibited across all applicable shipping types. This includes honeybees, leeches, silkworms, insects used for pest control exchanged between approved facilities, and Drosophilidae flies exchanged between approved facilities for biomedical research.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Prohibited
Plants (requiring quarantine in the destination country)
Plants that are subject to quarantine requirements in Austria are prohibited from being shipped via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies to any plant requiring quarantine upon arrival in the destination country.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
- Conditional
Plants (including cultivated plants, bulbs, seeds for sowing, cut flowers, cut branches, fruits, vegetables, wood, and bark)
A wide range of plant materials — including cultivated plants, bulbs, sowing seeds, cut flowers, cut branches, fruits (excluding pineapple, coconut, durian, banana, and dates), vegetables, wood, and bark — require a phytosanitary certificate to be imported into Austria. Without such a certificate, importation is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Phytosanitary certificate is attached → importation permitted
- No phytosanitary certificate → importation not permitted
Documents: Phytosanitary certificate (植物検疫証明書)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Alcohol
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Essences for alcoholic beverages
Essences intended for use in alcoholic beverages are prohibited from shipment to Austria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies regardless of quantity or form.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 33
- Conditional
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages — including ethyl alcohol (whether denatured or not), brandy, and other spirits, but excluding rum, arak, cognac, and liqueurs — are conditionally permitted to Austria, requiring a special permit issued by the Austrian Ministry of Finance, unless the shipment is a personal gift of 2.5 litres or less.
Conditions and documents
- Special permit issued by the Austrian Ministry of Finance is obtained (for rum, arak, cognac, and liqueurs this condition does not apply) → permitted
- Personal gift of 2.5 litres or less (excluding rum, arak, cognac, and liqueurs from this exemption) → permitted without special permit
Documents: Special permit issued by the Austrian Ministry of Finance
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
Weapons
2 prohibited
- Prohibited
Antique Weapons (over 100 years old)
Weapons classified as works of art, collectibles, or antiques that were manufactured more than 100 years ago and fall under HS Chapter 97 are prohibited from shipment to Austria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers such items regardless of their artistic or collectible status.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 97
- Prohibited
Weapons, firearms ammunition, and their parts and accessories (HS Chapter 93)
Weapons, firearms ammunition, and their parts and accessories classified under HS Chapter 93 are prohibited from shipment to Austria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers the full range of items falling within HS Chapter 93.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Books & printed matter
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Printed matter banned from sale or distribution in the destination country
Printed matter that is prohibited from being sold or distributed in Austria is not permitted to be shipped via Regular, Parcel, or EMS services. This applies to any printed material whose sale or circulation is banned under Austrian law.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Chemicals
1 conditional
- Conditional
Toxic substances / Poisons
Toxic substances are conditionally permitted when sent for medical, scientific, industrial, or agricultural purposes and authorized by Austria's Ministry of Social Affairs; shipments addressed to universities, scientific societies, or public bodies may substitute the supervisor's authorization for the Ministry's permit.
Conditions and documents
- Sent for medical, scientific, industrial, or agricultural purposes AND authorized by Austria's Ministry of Social Affairs (Sozialministerium) → permitted
- Addressed to a university, scientific society, or public body AND authorized by the respective supervisor (in lieu of Ministry of Social Affairs authorization) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Austria's Ministry of Social Affairs (Sozialministerium); Supervisor's authorization (for shipments to universities, scientific societies, or public bodies, in lieu of Ministry authorization)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
Tobacco
1 conditional
- Conditional
Tobacco
All types of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes require a special permit issued by Austria's Federal Ministry of Finance (Bundesministerium für Finanzen), unless the shipment is a gift not exceeding 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or a combination thereof, with a total weight not exceeding 500 grams and not intended for commercial purposes.
Conditions and documents
- Special permit issued by Austria's Federal Ministry of Finance (Bundesministerium für Finanzen) obtained → permitted
- Gift shipment not exceeding 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or a combination thereof, with total weight not exceeding 500 grams, and not intended for commercial purposes → permitted without a permit
Documents: Special permit issued by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (Bundesministerium für Finanzen) — required unless the gift exemption conditions are met
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Other items
4 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Gold, Platinum, and Silver in Violation of Hallmarking Laws
Gold, platinum, and silver items that violate Austria's hallmarking laws are prohibited from shipment via regular mail and parcel. Only precious metal items that do not comply with the destination country's hallmarking regulations are covered by this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Lottery tickets (foreign), gambling equipment, and related advertisements
Lottery tickets issued by countries other than Austria, gambling equipment, and advertisements for such items are prohibited from being sent to Austria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Mail-order goods sold by post (poisons, medical items, weapons, ammunition, and fireworks)
Poisons, medical-purpose items (such as medicinal herbs and medical devices), weapons, ammunition, and fireworks sold via mail order are prohibited for postal dispatch to Austria. Poisons are permitted only when dispatched for medical, scientific, industrial, or agricultural purposes and with prior authorization from Austria's Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, or — in the case of shipments addressed to universities, scientific associations, or public bodies — with the approval of the respective supervisory authority in lieu of ministerial authorization.
Details and exceptions
- Poison dispatched for medical, scientific, industrial, or agricultural purposes AND authorized by Austria's Federal Ministry of Social Affairs → permitted
- Poison addressed to a university, scientific association, or public body AND authorized by the respective supervisory authority (in lieu of ministerial authorization) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Austria's Federal Ministry of Social Affairs (for poisons dispatched for medical, scientific, industrial, or agricultural purposes); Authorization from the respective supervisory authority (for poisons addressed to universities, scientific associations, or public bodies)
- Prohibited
Toy guns and related play/sporting equipment (HS Chapter 95)
Toy guns, play equipment, and sporting goods, along with their parts and accessories, that fall under HS Chapter 95 are prohibited from shipment to Austria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers the full category of such items as classified under HS Chapter 95.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 95
- Conditional
Precious metals, gemstone products, and imitations thereof
Precious metal and gemstone products, as well as their imitations, may be prohibited or subjected to special inspection. Base metal products resembling precious metal goods that are gold- or silver-plated or decorated with precious metals are permitted only if they do not bear markings or names that could be mistaken for genuine precious metal articles.
Conditions and documents
- Base metal products resembling precious metal goods, gold- or silver-plated or decorated with precious metals, do not bear markings or names that could be mistaken for genuine precious metal articles → permitted
- Precious metal and gemstone products, or their imitations, subject to special inspection or other measures → conditional
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Radio and Television Equipment (Transmitters and Receivers)
Radio and television transmitters and receivers may only be shipped to Austria if prior authorization has been obtained from the Austrian Postal and Telegraph Administration (Generaldirektion für die Post und Telegraphenverwaltung). Shipment is conditional on holding this official permit.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Austrian Postal and Telegraph Administration (Generaldirektion für die Post und Telegraphenverwaltung) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Generaldirektion für die Post und Telegraphenverwaltung (Austrian Postal and Telegraph Administration)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Conditional
Respiratory protective masks (FFP masks)
FFP2 masks and other FFP-class respiratory masks may be shipped to Austria conditionally: each mask must bear a CE mark and identification number with German-language instructions, and the package must have a German-language EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) affixed to its exterior. Packages lacking the DoC will be returned to the sender by customs authorities.
Conditions and documents
- FFP2 or other FFP mask bears CE mark and identification number, and German-language instructions for use are included → condition met for shipment
- German-language EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is affixed to the exterior of the package → permitted
- German-language EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is absent from the package → package returned to sender by customs authorities
Documents: German-language EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) affixed to the exterior of the package; German-language instructions for use included with each FFP mask
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
Applies to every destination, including Austria
Japan Post applies 278 carrier-wide rules to every country on top of the rules above — outright bans on dangerous goods such as perfume, aerosols and lighters, and conditions on items such as lithium batteries.
Not sure about a specific item for Austria?
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.
Common questions
- What can't I ship from Japan to Austria?
- Japan Post's import rules for Austria prohibit 16 item types, including Opium (smoking opium); Essences for alcoholic beverages; Edible mushrooms not authorized for import under applicable legislation on edible mushrooms; Printed matter banned from sale or distribution in the destination country; Gold, Platinum, and Silver in Violation of Hallmarking Laws; Registered ordinary mail containing valuables; Plants (requiring quarantine in the destination country); Foodstuffs containing prohibited or excess harmful substances / illegal preservatives or antioxidants; and 8 more. On top of these, Japan Post refuses dangerous goods such as perfume, aerosols and loose lithium batteries to every destination.
- Which items can be shipped to Austria only under conditions?
- 14 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Tobacco; Radio and Television Equipment (Transmitters and Receivers); Pharmaceutical products / Medicines; Currency, Gold Coins; Precious metals, gemstone products, and imitations thereof; Imitation banknotes (replicas of banknotes issued by the national bank of the destination country); Alcoholic Beverages; Foodstuffs (food additives and colorants); and 6 more. Whether a specific product qualifies depends on the item, which is what the ShipMate GO app checks before you book.
- Does an item that isn't listed here ship freely to Austria?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Austria; an item that isn't named has no specific rule here, but it may still fall under Japan Post's carrier-wide bans or a general category such as food or medicine. Check the exact item in the ShipMate GO app, which reads these rules live and asks the follow-up questions a conditional rule needs.