What you can't ship from Japan to Iraq
44 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 30 item types that cannot be sent to Iraq 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 October 1, 2026.
- Prohibited
- 30
- Conditional
- 14
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Iraq. 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
4 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Condensed milk (non-compliant)
Condensed milk that does not meet both of the following conditions is prohibited from shipment to Iraq: moisture content not exceeding 69%, and fat content of at least 2.79%. Condensed milk satisfying both conditions is not covered by this prohibition.
Details and exceptions
- Moisture content does not exceed 69% AND fat content is at least 2.79% → not prohibited (this restriction does not apply)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Prohibited
Harmful food, adulterated food, non-canned meat, and soft fruits
Food items that are harmful or adulterated, meat that is not canned, and soft fruits are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. These specific food categories may not be included in any such shipments.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Prohibited
Sugar confectionery containing whisky or other beverages
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 candy or sweet products with alcoholic or other beverage fillings.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 17
- Prohibited
Tea (non-compliant for sale)
Tea intended for sale is prohibited if it does not meet all of the following conditions: contains at least 1% theine, ash content does not exceed 6%, is not spent/used tea leaves, and is not artificially colored.
Details and exceptions
- Contains at least 1% theine AND ash content does not exceed 6% AND is not spent/used tea leaves AND is not artificially colored → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 09
- Conditional
Fats and oily substances
Edible fats and oily substances are conditionally permitted for shipment to Iraq, provided the sender has obtained authorization from Iraq's Ministry of Public Health. Exceptions apply for genuine trade samples and items intended purely for personal use not exceeding 4 gallons.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Ministry of Public Health of the destination country (Iraq) → permitted
- Sent as a genuine trade sample → permitted without Ministry of Public Health authorization
- Intended purely for personal use and quantity does not exceed 4 gallons → permitted without Ministry of Public Health authorization
Documents: Authorization from Iraq's Ministry of Public Health
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 15
- Conditional
Salt
Unrefined salt is conditionally permitted for import into Iraq only with prior authorization from the relevant authority (Customs and Excise Department). Refined salt is not mentioned as restricted.
Conditions and documents
- Unrefined salt with authorization from the Customs and Excise Department → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Customs and Excise Department (Iraq)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 25
Chemicals
3 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Ink Eraser (Ink Remover)
Ink erasers and ink remover products are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 38
- Prohibited
Matches
Matches are prohibited from being shipped to Iraq via Regular and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
Soap with excessive alkaline content
Soap in which the irritant alkali content exceeds 0.1% and the total alkali content exceeds 3% is prohibited from shipment to Iraq. This restriction applies across all shipping types including regular mail, parcel, and EMS.
Details and exceptions
- irritant alkali content exceeds 0.1% AND total alkali content exceeds 3% → prohibited
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 34
- Conditional
Hair Dye
Hair dyes containing diamine are permitted only if authorization has been obtained from the destination country's Ministry of Public Health. This condition applies to shipments sent via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services to Iraq.
Conditions and documents
- hair dye contains diamine AND authorization has been obtained from Iraq's Ministry of Public Health → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Ministry of Public Health of Iraq
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 33
- Conditional
Microorganisms
Samples of microorganisms may only be sent to Iraq if prior authorization has been obtained from the destination country's Ministry of Public Health. Shipment without such permission is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the destination country's Ministry of Public Health → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Ministry of Public Health of Iraq
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
Weapons
3 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Air Gun
Air guns are prohibited from being shipped to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies regardless of the type or purpose of the air gun.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Prohibited
Ammunition and Matches
Ammunition components including charged metallic primers and cartridges for portable firearms, non-explosive fuse materials for artillery, and matches are prohibited from shipping to Iraq. This restriction applies across all shipping types including regular mail, parcel, and EMS.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
Weapons and Ammunition
Weapons, weapon parts, ammunition, and tear gas guns are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This prohibition covers all related components and accessories explicitly listed.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Hunting Rifle
Hunting rifles and their accessories may only be shipped to Iraq if the recipient has obtained permission from the police authorities of the destination country. Shipment is conditional on holding such authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission has been obtained from the police authorities of the destination country (Iraq) → permitted
Documents: Permission from the police authorities of the destination country (Iraq)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Short sword / dagger (tantō)
Short swords and daggers with a blade length exceeding 76 mm, as well as knives known as "Um-Al-Yay," are conditionally permitted for shipment to Iraq. They are allowed only when the recipient holds prior authorization from Iraq's Ministry of Interior.
Conditions and documents
- Knife known as 'Um-Al-Yay' or dagger/short sword with blade exceeding 76 mm → Permitted only with prior authorization from Iraq's Ministry of Interior (Ministere de l'interieur)
Documents: Authorization from Iraq's Ministry of Interior (Ministere de l'interieur)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Currency & valuables
3 prohibited
- Prohibited
Banknotes and Bank Notes
Banknotes and bank notes are prohibited from being shipped to Iraq via regular mail and parcel services. This restriction applies to all paper currency and bank-issued notes.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Counterfeit currency and currency-resembling items
Counterfeit currency, items likely to be mistaken for currency, and items bearing currency designs are prohibited for shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Registered ordinary mail containing valuables
Registered ordinary mail items containing valuables — including coins, banknotes, currency, bearer securities, traveler's checks, platinum, gold, silver (worked or unworked), pearls, gemstones, and other precious items — are prohibited for shipment to Iraq via regular shipping. These items may not be sent as registered ordinary mail to this destination.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
Medicine & supplements
2 conditional
- Conditional
Pharmaceuticals / Medicines
Medicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Iraq if authorized by the Iraqi Ministry of Public Health (Ministère irakien de la santé publique). Shipments without such authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Iraqi Ministry of Public Health (Ministère irakien de la santé publique) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Iraqi Ministry of Public Health (Ministère irakien de la santé publique)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Serum
Serum may only be shipped to Iraq if addressed to a laboratory officially recognized by the destination country's Ministry of Public Health. Serum tubes must be placed in a suitable container, packaged to prevent leakage in the event of breakage, and the outer packaging must bear the words 'Contents Serum'.
Conditions and documents
- Addressed to a laboratory recognized by the Ministry of Public Health of the destination country → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
Alcohol
1 conditional
- Conditional
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are conditionally permitted to Iraq only when addressed to a government-authorized wholesaler. Shipments to any other recipient are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Consignee is a government-authorized wholesaler in Iraq → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
Plants & animals
1 conditional
- Conditional
Plants
Plants may require an export inspection by a plant quarantine station and an import permit from the destination country. Senders are advised to consult the nearest plant quarantine station or the relevant plant quarantine authority in Iraq in advance.
Conditions and documents
- Export inspection by a plant quarantine station and import permit from the destination country are obtained → permitted
Documents: Export inspection certificate issued by a plant quarantine station (植物防疫所による輸出検査証明); Import permit from the destination country's plant quarantine authority (名宛国の輸入許可証)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Tobacco
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Unmanufactured Tobacco
Unmanufactured (raw/unprocessed) tobacco is prohibited from being shipped to Iraq via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. Manufactured tobacco products are not covered by this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Other items
16 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Articles contrary to public order and morals
Articles contrary to public order and morals are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This applies to goods deemed offensive to public decency or societal norms.
- Prohibited
Binoculars
Binoculars are prohibited from being shipped to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Prohibited
Cassette Tapes (Recording)
Cassette tapes intended for recording use are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies specifically to recordable/blank cassette tapes.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Prohibited
Clothing dyed with skin-irritating dyes
Clothing (including hats and footwear) dyed with skin-irritating dyes is prohibited from being shipped to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers all garments, headwear, and footwear that have been colored using such dyes.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 61
- Prohibited
Colored postcards
Colored postcards cannot be imported into Iraq as printed matter. This prohibition applies to both regular mail and EMS shipments.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Counterfeit Trademark Goods
Articles bearing counterfeit trademarks, or articles whose trademark contains false statements, are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
- Prohibited
Film (all types)
All types of film — whether exposed or unexposed, developed or undeveloped — are prohibited for shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 37
- Prohibited
Lottery Tickets (issued by countries other than Iraq)
Lottery tickets issued by countries other than Iraq are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Only lottery tickets originating outside of Iraq fall under this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Portable wireless transceiver (walkie-talkie)
Portable wireless transceivers, including walkie-talkies, are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Prohibited
Printing machines and printing equipment
Printing machines and printing tools are prohibited from being shipped to Iraq via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This prohibition covers both printing machines and associated printing implements.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 84
- Prohibited
Recording devices and cameras with concealed/secret mechanisms
Recording devices and cameras equipped with concealed or secret mechanisms are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies to covert or disguised audio recording and photographic equipment.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Prohibited
Records (Not Playable on Standard Equipment)
Audio records that cannot be played on standard playback equipment are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This restriction applies specifically to recordings incompatible with conventional playback devices.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Prohibited
Rubber products (pacifiers and rubber balloons)
Rubber pacifiers and rubber balloons are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. These specific rubber goods may not be sent through any of the applicable mail categories.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 40
- Prohibited
Shaving Brush
Shaving brushes are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This item may not be sent regardless of shipping method.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Prohibited
Silk Canvas / Silk Sailcloth
Canvas or sailcloth made of silk is prohibited for shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies specifically to silk-made canvas fabric.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 50
- Prohibited
Unsanitary or Harmful Articles
Unsanitary or harmful articles are prohibited from shipment to Iraq via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to any items deemed unsanitary or hazardous in nature.
- Conditional
Archaeological artifacts
Archaeological artifacts may only be shipped to Iraq if accompanied by an export permit issued by the relevant Japanese authorities.
Conditions and documents
- Export permit from the relevant Japanese authorities is attached → permitted
Documents: Export permit from the relevant Japanese authorities
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 97
- Conditional
Diamonds
Diamonds are conditionally permitted for shipment to Iraq via regular and parcel services. They are allowed only when accompanied by a certificate of origin and an import permit issued by the relevant authorities of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Certificate of origin is attached → required for permission
- Import permit issued by the relevant authorities of the destination country is attached → required for permission
Documents: Certificate of origin; Import permit issued by the relevant authorities of the destination country (Iraq)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Food storage containers (enamel-coated)
Enamel-coated food storage containers are conditionally permitted when they meet the conditions specified by Iraq. Shipment via Regular, Parcel, or EMS is allowed subject to those requirements.
Conditions and documents
- enamel-coated food storage containers that meet the conditions specified by Iraq → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 76
- Conditional
Radio
Transistor radios are conditionally permitted for shipment to Iraq, but only when prior authorization has been obtained from the Postmaster General of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Prior authorization obtained from the Postmaster General of Iraq → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Postmaster General of Iraq
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
Applies to every destination, including Iraq
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 Iraq?
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 Iraq?
- Japan Post's import rules for Iraq prohibit 30 item types, including Ink Eraser (Ink Remover); Cassette Tapes (Recording); Rubber products (pacifiers and rubber balloons); Unmanufactured Tobacco; Film (all types); Shaving Brush; Matches; Records (Not Playable on Standard Equipment); and 22 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 Iraq only under conditions?
- 14 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Diamonds; Radio; Pharmaceuticals / Medicines; Salt; Serum; Archaeological artifacts; Fats and oily substances; Alcoholic Beverages; 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 Iraq?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Iraq; 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.