What you can't ship from Japan to Cyprus
38 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 16 item types that cannot be sent to Cyprus and 22 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 October 1, 2026.
- Prohibited
- 16
- Conditional
- 22
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Cyprus. 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.
Plants & animals
1 prohibited · 11 conditional
- Prohibited
Leather
Leather is prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via regular mail, parcel, and EMS services. No further details or conditions are specified in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 41
- Conditional
Animal and plant-based fertilizers
Animal and plant-based fertilizers (excluding chemical nitrogen fertilizers) are conditionally permitted for import into Cyprus, provided that prior authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 31
- Conditional
Bones
Bones are conditionally permitted for shipment to Cyprus. They are only allowed when the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission.
Conditions and documents
- Permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Compost
Compost is conditionally permitted for shipment to Cyprus. It is allowed only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 31
- Conditional
Feathers
Feathers may only be shipped to Cyprus if the sender has obtained permission from the relevant authorities in the destination country. This item is conditionally permitted via regular, parcel, and EMS services.
Conditions and documents
- Permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Fruit
Fruit may only be shipped to Cyprus if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country. Shipment is conditional on holding such permission.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 08
- Conditional
Hooves
Hooves are conditionally permitted for shipment to Cyprus. They are only allowed when prior authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Horns (animal horns)
Animal horns may only be shipped to Cyprus if the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission. Import is conditional upon obtaining such authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Prior permission obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Documents: Permission/authorization from the relevant authorities of Cyprus
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Plants (including bulbs, seeds, cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, timber, and bark)
A wide range of plant materials — including plants for cultivation, bulbs, seeds for sowing, cut flowers, cut branches, fruits (excluding pineapple, coconut, durian, banana, and dates), vegetables, timber, and bark — require a phytosanitary certificate to be accepted for import into Cyprus; without the certificate, import is not permitted. An export inspection by a plant protection station and an import permit from the destination country may also be required under Japan's Plant Protection Act (Law No. 151 of 1950).
Conditions and documents
- Phytosanitary certificate is attached → Import may be permitted
- No phytosanitary certificate → Import is not permitted
- Export inspection by plant protection station and/or import permit from destination country required under Japan's Plant Protection Act (Law No. 151 of 1950) → May be required depending on item; consult nearest plant protection station or destination country's plant protection authority in advance
Documents: Phytosanitary certificate (植物検疫証明書); Export inspection by plant protection station (植物防疫所による輸出検査) — where required under Japan's Plant Protection Act; Import permit from destination country (名宛国の輸入許可証) — where required
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
- Conditional
Soil
Soil is conditionally permitted for shipment to Cyprus via regular, parcel, and EMS services. It is only allowed when the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission.
Conditions and documents
- Permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 26
- Conditional
Straw
Straw is conditionally permitted for import into Cyprus, provided that authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 14
- Conditional
Vegetables
Vegetables may only be shipped to Cyprus if the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission. Authorization from the competent authorities is required.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 07
Food
2 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Condensed Milk
Condensed milk is prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via regular, parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of form or packaging.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Prohibited
Salt
Salt, table salt, and rock salt are prohibited for shipment to Cyprus via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies to all listed forms of salt.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 25
- Conditional
Animal Feed
Animal feed may only be shipped to Cyprus if the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission. Shipments without such authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 23
- Conditional
Honey
Honey may only be shipped to Cyprus if the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission. It is conditionally permitted across regular, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Conditions and documents
- Permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Conditional
Milk
Milk may only be shipped to Cyprus if the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission. Shipments without such authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Prior permission obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
Weapons
3 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Ammunition and Matches
Ammunition components including primed metallic cartridges for portable firearms, non-explosive artillery fuse materials, and matches are prohibited from shipping to Cyprus via all applicable shipping methods.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
Short sword / Tantō (short blade)
Short bladed weapons (tantō / short swords / daggers) are prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies to all such short blade items as described in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Prohibited
Weapons
Swords and bladed weapons, automatic rifles, air guns and air pistols deemed dangerous by the Council of Ministers, weapons that discharge harmful liquids, gases, or other substances, and toy pistols and their imitations are prohibited from shipment to Cyprus. This prohibition applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Weapons
Firearms and pistols (excluding swords, automatic rifles, air guns and air pistols deemed dangerous by the Council of Ministers, weapons that discharge harmful liquids/gases/substances, and toy pistols and their imitations) are permitted only with special authorization from the destination country's Chief of Police (Prefet de police) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Ministere du commerce et de l'industrie). Shipment is conditional on holding that special permit.
Conditions and documents
- Special authorization obtained from the Chief of Police (Prefet de police) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Ministere du commerce et de l'industrie) of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Special permit from the Chief of Police (Prefet de police) of the destination country; Special permit from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Ministere du commerce et de l'industrie) of the destination country
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Books & printed matter
2 prohibited
- Prohibited
Books and publications on the manufacture, operation, or storage of unauthorized firearms (excluding underwater guns)
Books and publications relating to the manufacture, operation, or storage of firearms that are not authorized for import into Cyprus are prohibited. This applies to all covered shipping types and excludes materials concerning underwater guns.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Copyrighted works banned at the author's request
Copyrighted works whose import into Cyprus has been prohibited at the request of the author are not permitted to be shipped. This restriction applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Medicine & supplements
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Medicines / Pharmaceutical Products
Medicines and pharmaceutical products are prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Narcotics
Parcels containing narcotics such as opium, morphine, or cocaine are permitted only when sent for medical or scientific purposes and authorised by the health ministry of the destination country. All other shipments of narcotics are prohibited.
Conditions and documents
- Sent for medical or scientific purposes AND authorised by the health ministry of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Documents: Authorisation from the health ministry of Cyprus
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
Chemicals
1 conditional
- Conditional
Poisons
Poisons may only be shipped to Cyprus if the sender has obtained prior authorization from the relevant authority (Pharmacy Board). Shipment is conditional upon holding this permission.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Pharmacy Board of Cyprus → permitted
Documents: Pharmacy Board authorization/permit
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
Currency & valuables
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Currency (coins and counterfeit/imitation currency)
Gold coins, copper coins, coins, decorative items resembling currency in circulation in Cyprus, and counterfeit, altered, or imitation currency are prohibited from shipment to Cyprus. This prohibition applies across all standard shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
Tobacco
1 conditional
- Conditional
Cigarette rolling papers and tobacco manufacturing equipment
Cigarette rolling papers, tobacco manufacturing machinery, and their accessories are only permitted when authorisation has been obtained from the customs authorities of the destination country (Cyprus). Shipment is conditional on holding such customs permission.
Conditions and documents
- Authorisation obtained from the customs authorities of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Documents: Customs authority permit from Cyprus
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Other items
6 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Articles contrary to public order and morality
Publications, obscene or immoral articles, and pornographic materials — including films, books, booklets, pictures, drawings, engravings, and reproductions of such a nature — are prohibited from shipment to Cyprus. This applies across all shipping types including regular mail, parcels, and EMS.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Counterfeit postage stamps and machinery for their manufacture
Counterfeit postage stamps and any machinery used to manufacture counterfeit postage stamps are prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Hashish
Hashish is prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of quantity or form.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Prohibited
Indian Hemp (Cannabis)
Indian hemp (cannabis) is prohibited from shipment to Cyprus via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This item may not be sent to Cyprus under any of the applicable shipping services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Prohibited
Shaving Brush
Shaving brushes are prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This item may not be included in any shipments destined for Cyprus under these shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Prohibited
Used Cotton
Used cotton is prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This restriction applies specifically to secondhand or previously used cotton material.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 52
- Conditional
Motion Picture Film
Motion picture film may only be shipped to Cyprus if it is packed with an inner tin box and an outer sturdy wooden box, and prior authorization has been obtained from the Board of Film Censors. No other conditions for acceptance are stated.
Conditions and documents
- Inner packaging is a tin box and outer packaging is a sturdy wooden box, and authorization from the Board of Film Censors of the destination country has been obtained → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Board of Film Censors (Cyprus)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 37
- Conditional
Postcards
Privately produced picture postcards are permitted only if prior authorization has been obtained from the designated authority in the destination country. Standard postcards are otherwise accepted.
Conditions and documents
- Privately produced picture postcard with prior authorization from the designated authority in Cyprus → permitted
- Privately produced picture postcard without prior authorization from the designated authority in Cyprus → not permitted
Documents: Prior authorization from the designated authority in Cyprus
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Rags, Used Clothing, and Saccharin
Rags, used clothing, and saccharin may only be shipped to Cyprus if the recipient country's Ministry of Health has granted permission. These items are conditionally permitted subject to that authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Ministry of Health of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Ministry of Health of Cyprus
- Conditional
Valuables
Registered ordinary mail containing valuables is permitted only if authorization has been obtained from the central bank of the destination country. No other conditions are stated.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the central bank of the destination country (Cyprus) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the central bank of Cyprus
Applies to every destination, including Cyprus
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 Cyprus?
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 Cyprus?
- Japan Post's import rules for Cyprus prohibit 16 item types, including Indian Hemp (Cannabis); Hashish; Shaving Brush; Salt; Currency (coins and counterfeit/imitation currency); Counterfeit postage stamps and machinery for their manufacture; Articles contrary to public order and morality; Books and publications on the manufacture, operation, or storage of unauthorized firearms (excluding underwater guns); 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 Cyprus only under conditions?
- 22 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Feathers; Fruit; Milk; Animal Feed; Cigarette rolling papers and tobacco manufacturing equipment; Soil; Horns (animal horns); Animal and plant-based fertilizers; and 14 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 Cyprus?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Cyprus; 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.