What you can't ship from Japan to Hong Kong
32 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 13 item types that cannot be sent to Hong Kong and 18 that can be sent only under conditions and 1 need a manual review. 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 August 1, 2026.
- Prohibited
- 13
- Conditional
- 18
- Needs review
- 1
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Hong Kong. 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.
Chemicals
4 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Certain toxic pesticides
Certain toxic pesticides listed under the destination's Emergency Agricultural Poisons Regulations 1955 are prohibited from shipment to Hong Kong. This applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 38
- Prohibited
Explosives
Explosives and dangerous substances are prohibited from shipment to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction covers explosive substances as well as other hazardous materials.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
Flammable Film, Celluloid Raw Material and Celluloid Products
Easily flammable film, raw celluloid material, and products made from celluloid are prohibited from shipment to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 39
- Prohibited
Lighters and similar items (butane gas lighters and aerosols)
Aerosols, butane gas lighters, and butane gas refill canisters are prohibited from shipment to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers both the lighters themselves and the refill gas used to replenish them.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Conditional
Acetic Anhydride
Acetic anhydride may only be shipped to Hong Kong if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities in the destination. Import is conditional on holding such official permission.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authorities in the destination country (Hong Kong) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Paints, Varnishes, and Similar Articles
Paints, varnishes, and similar articles with a flash point between 36°C and 66°C are conditionally permitted, provided each container does not exceed one-quarter gallon and is packed in a sealed metal container or a box with a fully secure lid. Butane gas lighters and refill gas are also conditionally permitted when packaged as specified and the total gas weight per mail item is less than 180 grams.
Conditions and documents
- Flash point between 36°C and 66°C; container volume does not exceed one-quarter gallon; packed in a sealed metal container or a box with a fully secure lid → permitted
- Butane gas lighters and refill gas packaged as specified; total gas weight per mail item is less than 180 grams → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 32
- Conditional
Poisons
Poisons are only permitted when sent as registered small packets addressed to a person qualified under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance 1937 of the destination. Shipment is restricted to registered (書留) small packet format.
Conditions and documents
- Addressed to a person holding qualifications stipulated under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance 1937 of the destination, and sent as a registered small packet (書留小形包装物) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
- Conditional
Radioactive substances and dangerous goods
Radioactive substances, articles using radioactive materials, and dangerous goods listed under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance 1956 are only permitted when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities. This applies to Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipments to Hong Kong.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authorities → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the relevant authorities
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
Medicine & supplements
3 conditional
- Conditional
Narcotics
Opium, morphine, cocaine, and other narcotic substances used for medical or scientific purposes are permitted only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities at the destination. No other narcotics shipments are permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Used for medical or scientific purposes AND authorization obtained from the relevant authorities at the destination → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the relevant authorities at the destination (Hong Kong)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Pesticides, Penicillin, and Other Antibiotics
Certain pesticides, penicillin, and other antibiotics listed under Hong Kong regulations are conditionally permitted, but only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant local authorities. This applies to shipments sent via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Conditions and documents
- Pesticides, penicillin, and other antibiotics listed under Emergency Agricultural Poisons Regulations 1955 and Penicillin and other substances Regulations 1957 → permitted only if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities in the destination
Documents: Authorization from the relevant authorities in Hong Kong
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 38
- Conditional
Vaccines
Vaccines are conditionally permitted for shipment to Hong Kong only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities at the destination. No shipment is allowed without such prior approval.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities at the destination (Hong Kong) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
Weapons
1 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Ammunition and Matches
Matches, fuses, non-explosive artillery fuse materials, metallic percussion caps for portable firearms, cartridge cases, and live cartridges (ammunition) are prohibited from shipment to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This covers both ignition devices such as matches and fuses, and firearm-related ammunition components.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Conditional
Munitions / Strategic Commodities
Munitions and strategic commodities listed under Hong Kong's Import and Export Regulations (Chapter 60G) — including high-performance computers, compound semiconductor memory devices, sophisticated communications equipment, encryption software and devices, precision machine tools, military articles, chemical and biological weapons precursors, nuclear-related items, and chemical and biological weapons — are conditionally permitted, provided a licence from the Trade and Industry Department is obtained. Enquiries regarding product classification may be directed to the Strategic Trade Controls Branch of the Trade and Industry Department.
Conditions and documents
- Licence obtained from the Trade and Industry Department (Strategic Trade Controls Branch) under Import and Export Regulations (Chapter 60G) → permitted
Documents: Licence from the Trade and Industry Department (Strategic Trade Controls Branch)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Weapons
Weapons and parts of weapons are permitted only with authorization from the Trade and Industry Department of the destination country. Shipment is conditional on holding such authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization from the Trade and Industry Department of Hong Kong is obtained → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Trade and Industry Department (工業貿易署) of Hong Kong
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Tobacco
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Tobacco Substitutes
Electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, and their related products are prohibited from shipment to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers the full category of tobacco substitute items and their associated accessories.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
- Conditional
Tobacco
Tobacco may be sent to Hong Kong via regular post, parcel, or EMS, but the shipping label and other documents must state the details and quantity of tobacco, and the recipient must be informed accordingly. The recipient will need to attend a designated customs office to pay duties and a one-time import licence fee.
Conditions and documents
- Shipping label and documentation state the details and quantity of tobacco, and recipient is notified in advance → conditional — recipient must attend designated customs office to pay duties and one-time import licence fee
Documents: Shipping label or waybill stating details and quantity of tobacco
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Alcohol
1 conditional
- Conditional
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages may be shipped to Hong Kong provided the container bears a label clearly stating the alcohol content, and the accompanying postal documentation includes details and quantity of the alcoholic beverage with the recipient notified accordingly. For beverages with alcohol content of 30% or above at 20°C, the recipient will be contacted by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and must attend a designated customs office to pay duties and a one-time import licence fee.
Conditions and documents
- Container bears a label clearly stating the alcohol content → conditional — required for shipment
- Postal documentation (e.g. waybill) includes details and quantity of the alcoholic beverage, and recipient is notified → conditional — required for shipment
- Alcohol content is 30% or above at 20°C → Recipient receives a 'Notification of Parcel Collection' from Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and must attend a designated customs office to pay duties and a one-time import licence fee
Documents: Label on container clearly stating alcohol content; Postal waybill or declaration stating details and quantity of the alcoholic beverage; Recipient notification of shipment contents
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
Currency & valuables
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Counterfeit currency and related instruments
Counterfeit or altered coins and banknotes are prohibited from being shipped to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Tools and plates used for counterfeiting or altering currency are also prohibited.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Food
1 conditional
- Conditional
Animal Products
Animal products (including refrigerated and frozen meat, poultry, carcasses, offal, and mammal products) are conditionally permitted to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipments, provided that the relevant import licences or prior approvals from the competent authorities are obtained. Additional permits are required for products derived from endangered species, regardless of whether they are alive, dead, partial, or processed.
Conditions and documents
- Refrigerated and frozen meat (beef, mutton, pork, veal, lamb, and all offal) and refrigerated and frozen poultry (chicken, duck, goose, turkey, and their parts) → Permitted only with an import licence under the Reserved Commodities Ordinance (Chapter 296)
- Carcasses and viscera/offal of animals regulated under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulations (Chapter 132) → Permitted only with prior approval from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
- All mammals and their carcasses and products → Permitted only with a permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department under Section 11 of the Rabies Regulation (Chapter 421)
- Endangered species animals — whether alive or dead, their parts or products → Permitted only with a permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department under the Animal and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Chapter 187)
Documents: Import licence under the Reserved Commodities Ordinance (Chapter 296) — for refrigerated and frozen meat and poultry; Prior approval from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department — for carcasses and viscera/offal regulated under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulations (Chapter 132); Permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department under Section 11 of the Rabies Regulation (Chapter 421) — for all mammals and their carcasses and products; Permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department under the Animal and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Chapter 187) — for endangered species animals, their parts or products
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
Plants & animals
1 need review
- Needs review
Plants
Plants (excluding fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers intended for consumption) may be shipped to Hong Kong conditionally, requiring an import licence issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and a phytosanitary certificate issued in Japan; endangered plant species require an additional permit from the AFCD, and rice (husked, unhusked, milled, or unmilled) requires a further import licence from the Trade and Industry Department.
Conditions and documents
- Plants (excluding fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers for consumption): import licence issued by AFCD and phytosanitary certificate issued in Japan are both presented → permitted
- Endangered plant species: additional permit issued by AFCD is presented (in addition to the standard import licence and phytosanitary certificate) → permitted
- Rice (husked/unhusked, milled/unmilled): import licence issued by the Trade and Industry Department is presented → permitted
Documents: Import licence issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of Hong Kong; Phytosanitary certificate issued in Japan; Additional permit issued by AFCD (for endangered plant species); Import licence issued by the Trade and Industry Department of Hong Kong (for rice)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Other items
6 prohibited · 6 conditional
- Prohibited
Advertisements (illegal activities and fortune-telling)
Advertisements relating to illegal activities and advertisements relating to fortune-telling are prohibited from being shipped to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Articles contrary to public order
Items deemed to incite sedition under the laws of the destination (Sedition Ordinance 1938) are prohibited from shipment to Hong Kong. This applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Circulars from moneylenders
Circulars, leaflets, or promotional materials issued by moneylenders are prohibited from being shipped to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies regardless of the form or format of the circular.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Counterfeit or Altered Postage Stamps
Counterfeit or altered postage stamps are prohibited from shipment to Hong Kong. Items bearing such counterfeit or altered stamps are also prohibited.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Lottery tickets and lottery-related documents
Lottery tickets and documents related to lotteries are prohibited from being shipped to Hong Kong via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to all such lottery materials regardless of type or origin.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Seditious materials, explosives, and matches
Items prohibited to Hong Kong under the Sedition Ordinance 1938, including seditious materials, explosives, and matches. This prohibition applies across regular, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Conditional
Firewood
Firewood, wood chips, wood fragments, sawdust, and wood shavings require a permit from the Environmental Protection Department under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Chapter 354) unless the material is uncontaminated and intended for recycling or reuse. Shipments that meet the uncontaminated/recyclable condition may proceed without the permit.
Conditions and documents
- Wood is uncontaminated and intended for recycling or reuse → permitted without Environmental Protection Department permit
- Wood does not meet uncontaminated/recyclable criteria under Waste Disposal Ordinance (Chapter 354) → permit from Environmental Protection Department required
Documents: Environmental Protection Department permit (required unless material is uncontaminated and recyclable/reusable under Waste Disposal Ordinance Chapter 354)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 44
- Conditional
Rough Diamonds
Rough diamonds may only be shipped to Hong Kong when accompanied by a certificate issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry under the Import and Export Ordinance (Chapter 60) and its subsidiary legislation. Shipments without this certificate are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Certificate issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry under the Import and Export Ordinance (Chapter 60) and its subsidiary legislation is presented → permitted
Documents: Certificate issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry (Non-Textiles Licensing Unit, Trade and Industry Department) under the Import and Export Ordinance (Chapter 60)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Shaving brush
Shaving brushes are conditionally permitted to Hong Kong, but only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities at the destination. Shipment via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services is subject to this condition.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities at the destination (Hong Kong) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Conditional
Textiles and Textile Products
Textiles and textile products containing hair or fur from endangered animals require prior possession permission from Hong Kong authorities under Cap. 586 before shipment. Additional import and/or export permits are required depending on whether the endangered animal species is listed under CITES Appendix I, II, or III.
Conditions and documents
- Textile contains hair/fur from an endangered animal species listed under CITES Appendix I → Requires possession permission from Hong Kong authorities, import permit from Hong Kong authorities, and export permit issued by Japanese authorities
- Textile contains hair/fur from an endangered animal species listed under CITES Appendix II or III → Requires possession permission from Hong Kong authorities and export permit issued by Japanese authorities
Documents: Possession permission from Hong Kong relevant authorities (required for all endangered animal hair/fur textiles); Import permit from Hong Kong relevant authorities (required for CITES Appendix I species); Export permit issued by Japanese relevant authorities (required for CITES Appendix I, II, and III species)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 51
- Conditional
Transmitting Equipment and Transceivers
Transmitting equipment and transceivers may only be shipped to Hong Kong if an import licence has been granted by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA). Shipments without this licence are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Import licence issued by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) is held → permitted
Documents: Import licence from the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Conditional
Valuables (precious metals, gemstones, and other high-value items)
Gold, silver, platinum, gemstones, pearls, and other valuables may only be shipped as registered small packets or insured parcels. Items exceeding HKD 2,500 in value must be sent as insured parcels.
Conditions and documents
- Shipped as a registered small packet or insured parcel, and value does not exceed HKD 2,500 → permitted
- Value exceeds HKD 2,500 and shipped as an insured parcel → permitted
- Value exceeds HKD 2,500 and not shipped as an insured parcel → prohibited
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
Applies to every destination, including Hong Kong
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 Hong Kong?
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 Hong Kong?
- Japan Post's import rules for Hong Kong prohibit 13 item types, including Advertisements (illegal activities and fortune-telling); Flammable Film, Celluloid Raw Material and Celluloid Products; Lighters and similar items (butane gas lighters and aerosols); Circulars from moneylenders; Ammunition and Matches; Certain toxic pesticides; Explosives; Seditious materials, explosives, and matches; and 5 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 Hong Kong only under conditions?
- 18 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Shaving brush; Vaccines; Valuables (precious metals, gemstones, and other high-value items); Munitions / Strategic Commodities; Poisons; Pesticides, Penicillin, and Other Antibiotics; Weapons; Radioactive substances and dangerous goods; and 10 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 Hong Kong?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Hong Kong; 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.