What you can't ship from Japan to India
59 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 34 item types that cannot be sent to India and 25 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 July 25, 2026.
- Prohibited
- 34
- Conditional
- 25
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for India. 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.
Currency & valuables
4 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Coins (valued at £5 or more) and precious metal ingots
Coins valued at £5 or more are prohibited, except decorative coins sent as value-declared parcels. Precious metal ingots are also prohibited.
Details and exceptions
- Decorative coin sent as a value-declared parcel → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Counterfeit Banknotes
Counterfeit banknotes (imitation currency notes) are prohibited from being shipped to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to all imitation or replica banknotes regardless of denomination or currency.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Counterfeit coins / coin imitations
Items that could easily be mistaken for coins are prohibited from shipment to India. This restriction applies to regular mail, parcel post, and EMS.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- 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 India via regular postal services. No such items may be enclosed within registered ordinary mail destined for India.
- Conditional
Banknotes and Bank Notes
Banknotes and bank notes may only be shipped to India if permission has been obtained from the Reserve Bank of India. Shipment is conditional on holding that authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Reserve Bank of India → permitted
Documents: Reserve Bank of India authorization/permission
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Banknotes and currency (Indian, Nepalese, or Tibetan)
Banknotes and bank notes of India, Nepal, or Tibet are conditionally permitted for shipment to India via regular mail only if authorised by the Reserve Bank of India. No other currencies are referenced in this restriction.
Conditions and documents
- Authorisation obtained from the Reserve Bank of India (インド準備銀行の許可) → permitted
Documents: Reserve Bank of India authorisation
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Coins and Precious Metal Ingots
Coins and precious metal ingots may be shipped to India via regular mail, but only if their value does not exceed 65 Indian Rupees. Shipments valued above this threshold are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- value does not exceed 65 Indian Rupees → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
Chemicals
3 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Flammable liquids with a flash point of 200°F (93°C) or below
Liquids with a flash point at or below 200°F (93°C) are prohibited for shipment to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies regardless of the type or intended use of the liquid.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 27
- Prohibited
Fragrances / Flavoring Substances (Import-Prohibited by Indian Law)
Fragrances and flavoring substances whose import is prohibited under Indian law may not be shipped to India via Regular, Parcel, or EMS services. Only those specific fragrances/flavorings banned by Indian regulations fall under this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 33
- Prohibited
Indian Hemp (Cannabis)
Indian hemp (cannabis) and substances extracted from it are prohibited for shipment to India via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This restriction covers the plant itself as well as any derived extracts.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Fragrances / Flavoring Agents
Fragrances and flavoring agents are conditionally permitted to India; shipment is allowed only when the sender or recipient holds authorization from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. No other conditions are specified in the source.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 33
- Conditional
Lighters
Lighters are conditionally permitted for shipment to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. They are only allowed when authorization has been obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Conditional
Saccharin
Saccharin may only be shipped to India if the sender has obtained permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. It is conditionally permitted across Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
Tobacco
1 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Unprocessed Tobacco Leaves
Unprocessed tobacco leaves are prohibited from being shipped to India via Regular and EMS services. This restriction applies to raw, unmanufactured tobacco leaf in its natural form.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
- Conditional
Tobacco
Tobacco is conditionally permitted to India only when government authorization from the destination country has been obtained. Without such permission, shipment is not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- Government authorization from the destination country (India) has been obtained → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
- Conditional
Tobacco, Cigars
Tobacco and cigars are permitted for import into India only if the shipper has obtained authorization from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. Shipments without this authorization are not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
- Conditional
Unprocessed tobacco leaves
Unprocessed tobacco leaves are conditionally permitted when accompanied by a phytosanitary/quarantine certificate. When sent by air, the exterior of the mailpiece must indicate the nature, quantity, place of origin, country of origin, and sender's name and address.
Conditions and documents
- Quarantine certificate (phytosanitary certificate) is attached → permitted
- Sent by air — exterior of mailpiece must state the nature, quantity, place of origin, country of origin, and sender's name and address → required labeling for air shipments
Documents: Quarantine certificate (phytosanitary certificate)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Weapons
3 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Ammunition and Matches
Ammunition items including primed metallic cartridges for portable firearms, non-explosive artillery fuze components, and matches are prohibited from shipment to India. This prohibition applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
Firearms and Weapons
Firearms and weapons are prohibited from shipment to India via EMS. This restriction applies to all such items regardless of type.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Prohibited
Pistol (including silenced pistols and toy pistols)
Pistols are prohibited for shipment to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers silenced pistols as well as toy pistols.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Weapons and Ammunition
Weapons, ammunition, and war materials are conditionally permitted for import into India, but only when imported by the government of the destination country. Shipments by any other party are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Imported by the government of the destination country (India) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Food
2 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Perishable substances (shipped by sea)
Perishable substances and foodstuffs that are delivered by sea mail are prohibited for shipment to India, with the exception of canned goods. This restriction applies to regular mail, parcel post, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Prohibited
Tea
Tea is prohibited from being shipped to India via EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 09
- Conditional
Confectionery / Sugar Confectionery
Confectionery (sugar confectionery) may only be shipped to India if the sender or importer has obtained permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. No importation is permitted without this authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 17
Medicine & supplements
2 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Narcotics
Narcotics are prohibited for shipment to India via Regular and EMS services. This includes opium, morphine, cocaine, and other narcotic substances.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Prohibited
Quinine (Red Quinine)
Red quinine is prohibited from being shipped to India via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This item is not permitted for import through any of the applicable shipping services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Narcotics
Narcotics such as opium, morphine, and cocaine are only permitted when sent for medical or scientific purposes and with authorization from the competent authorities of the destination country. All other shipments of narcotics are prohibited.
Conditions and documents
- Sent for medical or scientific purposes AND authorization obtained from the competent authorities of the destination country (India) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the competent authorities of the destination country (India)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
Plants & animals
2 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Honeybees
Honeybees are prohibited from being shipped to India via EMS. This restriction applies regardless of form or quantity.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Prohibited
Plant seeds exceeding 1 pound (453.6 g)
Plant seeds in quantities exceeding 1 pound (453.6 g) are prohibited from being shipped to India via EMS. Shipments of plant seeds at or below this weight threshold are not covered by this prohibition.
Details and exceptions
- weight exceeds 1 pound (453.6 g) → prohibited
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 12
- Conditional
Plants
Plants destined for India may require an export inspection by a plant protection station and an import permit from the destination country under Japan's Plant Protection Act. Rice is additionally subject to a prior notification requirement to the regional agricultural policy bureau, except when sent non-commercially for personal use.
Conditions and documents
- Export inspection by plant protection station and import permit from destination country obtained → permitted
- Rice sent non-commercially for personal use → permitted without prior notification to regional agricultural policy bureau
- Rice sent commercially or not for personal use → prior notification to regional agricultural policy bureau required
Documents: Export inspection certificate from plant protection station (植物防疫所による輸出検査証明); Import permit from destination country's plant protection authority (名宛国の輸入許可証); Prior notification to regional agricultural policy bureau (地方農政局等への届出) — required for rice unless sent non-commercially for personal use
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Alcohol
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being shipped to India via EMS. No exceptions are stated in the source text.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
- Conditional
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted for shipment to India. They are allowed only when the shipper or consignee holds authorization from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
Books & printed matter
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Books, magazines, and publications (prohibited by law)
Books, magazines, and other publications whose import is prohibited by Indian law are not permitted to be shipped to India via EMS. Only publications that fall under the legally prohibited category are restricted.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Other items
15 prohibited · 11 conditional
- Prohibited
Antiques / Ancient Art Objects
Antiques and ancient art objects are prohibited from being shipped to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No further conditions or exceptions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 97
- Prohibited
Articles bearing counterfeit trademarks
Goods affixed with counterfeit trademarks are prohibited from shipment to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies regardless of the type of article involved.
- Prohibited
Counterfeit Postage Stamps
Counterfeit postage stamps are prohibited from being shipped to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Forged or fake postal stamps of any kind are not permitted.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Diamonds and Gemstones
Diamonds and gemstones are prohibited from shipment to India via regular shipping. This restriction applies to all forms of diamonds and gemstones.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Electrical goods exceeding 500 rupees in value (excluding hearing aids and life-saving devices)
Electrical goods valued above 500 Indian rupees are prohibited from being shipped to India via EMS. Hearing aids and life-saving devices are exempt from this restriction.
Details and exceptions
- value does not exceed 500 Indian rupees → permitted
- item is a hearing aid → permitted
- item is a life-saving device → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Prohibited
Electrical products (excluding hearing aids, life-saving devices, and their parts)
Electrical products are prohibited for shipment to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Hearing aids, life-saving devices, and their parts/components are exempt from this prohibition.
Details and exceptions
- item is a hearing aid, life-saving device, or parts thereof → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Prohibited
Gold and Silver
Gold and silver are prohibited from being shipped to India via regular and parcel services. This restriction applies to both metals in any form.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Goods bearing markings likely to cause confusion with domestically manufactured products
Goods that carry descriptions or markings likely to mislead recipients into believing they were manufactured in India are prohibited from shipment via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Such items are not accepted regardless of the actual nature of the goods.
- Prohibited
Goods whose importation is permitted only through government agencies
Certain goods are restricted by law such that they may only be imported into India through designated government agencies. These items are prohibited for EMS shipment as private import outside official government channels is not permitted.
- Prohibited
Necklaces of pearls or imitation pearls
Necklaces made of pearls or imitation pearls are prohibited from being shipped to India via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This restriction applies across all three applicable shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Printed matter and similar items contrary to public order and morality
Printed materials, documents, and other articles that are contrary to public order and morality are prohibited from being shipped to India. This applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Printed matter, paintings, photographs, etc. contrary to public order and morals
Printed materials, paintings, photographs, and other articles that are contrary to public order and morals are prohibited from being shipped to India. This applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Shaving Brush
Shaving brushes are prohibited from shipment to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of material or type.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Prohibited
Silk and silk products
Silk and silk works of art are prohibited from being shipped to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 50
- Prohibited
Wireless Telegraphy Equipment
Wireless telegraphy equipment is prohibited for shipment to India via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies to wireless telegraph transmitters and related apparatus.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Conditional
Eyeglasses and Sunglasses
Eyeglasses and sunglasses may only be shipped to India if the sender or recipient has obtained permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. Shipments without this authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Conditional
Fountain pens and their parts
Fountain pens and their component parts may only be shipped to India if the sender or recipient has obtained permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. No shipment is permitted without this authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Conditional
Gemstones
Diamonds and other gemstones may only be shipped to India when sent as insured parcels. Shipments not covered by insurance are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- shipped as an insured parcel → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Goods sold by unit count or length (manufactured outside India)
Goods that are customarily sold by unit count or by length, and manufactured outside India, are conditionally permitted. They are allowed only when the names and addresses of the manufacturer, exporter, and handler in India, along with the quantity (number of units) or metric length, are clearly indicated on the goods.
Conditions and documents
- Names and addresses of the manufacturer, exporter, and handler in the destination country (India), and the quantity in number of units or metric length, are clearly indicated on the goods → permitted
- Conditional
Karuta (playing cards)
Karuta (playing cards) may only be shipped to India if a permit has been obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. Shipments without this authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Permit obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Permit from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 95
- Conditional
Lottery tickets and lottery advertisements
Lottery tickets and advertisements for lotteries are conditionally permitted for shipment to India, provided that authorization from the destination country's government has been obtained.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization from the government of the destination country has been obtained → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Pencils
Pencils are permitted for import into India only if authorization has been obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. No other conditions are specified in the source.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Conditional
Synthetic Gems and Pearls
Synthetic gems and pearls may only be shipped to India if the sender has obtained permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports in New Delhi. No other conditions are stated.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Talc (Soapstone / Steatite)
Talc (soapstone/steatite) may only be shipped to India if a permit has been obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi. Shipments without this authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Permit obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Permit from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 25
- Conditional
Watches, watch bands, and their parts
Watches, watch bands, and their component parts may only be shipped to India if the sender has obtained permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports in New Delhi. Shipments without this authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, New Delhi
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 91
- Conditional
Applies to every destination, including India
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 India?
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 India?
- Japan Post's import rules for India prohibit 34 item types, including Printed matter and similar items contrary to public order and morality; Indian Hemp (Cannabis); Flammable liquids with a flash point of 200°F (93°C) or below; Quinine (Red Quinine); Silk and silk products; Fragrances / Flavoring Substances (Import-Prohibited by Indian Law); Diamonds and Gemstones; Unprocessed Tobacco Leaves; and 26 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 India only under conditions?
- 25 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Karuta (playing cards); Saccharin; Tobacco; Tobacco, Cigars; Unprocessed tobacco leaves; Lighters; Pencils; 黄熱病ヴィールス; and 17 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 India?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for India; 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.