What you can't ship from Japan to Mexico
33 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 23 item types that cannot be sent to Mexico and 10 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
- 23
- Conditional
- 10
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Mexico. 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
7 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Bones
Bones are prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Prohibited
Hair / Fur
Hair and fur are prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No further details or conditions are specified in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Prohibited
Hay
Hay is prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 12
- Prohibited
Hooves
Hooves are prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Prohibited
Horn / Antler / Tusk
Horn, antler, and tusk materials are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies to horn, antler, and tusk in any form.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Prohibited
Straw
Straw is prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 14
- Prohibited
Untanned leather (raw hides and skins)
Untanned leather (raw, unprocessed hides and skins) is prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. No exceptions are indicated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 41
- Conditional
Plants
Plants shipped to Mexico may require an export inspection by a plant quarantine station and an import permit from the destination country. Senders should contact their nearest plant quarantine station or Mexico's plant quarantine authority in advance.
Conditions and documents
- Export inspection by plant quarantine station and import permit from destination country obtained → permitted
Documents: Export inspection certificate from plant quarantine station (植物防疫所による輸出検査); Import permit from destination country's plant quarantine authority (名宛国の輸入許可証)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Food
3 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Meat, Ham, and Pork Products
Meat, ham, and pork products are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers all forms of meat, ham, and pork-derived products.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Prohibited
Milk
Milk is prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies to milk as a product.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Prohibited
Perishable foodstuffs
Perishable foodstuffs — including confectionery, fruits, vegetables, and other food items that are liable to spoil — are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies to all such easily perishable food products.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 21
- Conditional
Canned goods (animal-based)
Canned goods containing animal-derived substances are subject to inspection by the destination country's agricultural authority, and may be destroyed or returned depending on the result. However, shipments weighing 5 kilograms or less are exempt from this inspection.
Conditions and documents
- shipment weight exceeds 5 kilograms and contains animal-derived substances → subject to inspection by the agricultural authority; may be destroyed or returned depending on result
- shipment weight is 5 kilograms or less → inspection is not conducted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 16
- Conditional
Chocolate
Chocolate and chocolate products may only be shipped to Mexico if the consignee has obtained prior authorization from the relevant authority (Secretaría de Comercio). Shipment is conditional on holding this official permit.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authority (Secretaría de Comercio) of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Secretaría de Comercio (Mexico)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 18
Chemicals
1 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Infectious substances or non-infectious biological substances
Infectious substances and non-infectious biological substances are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers both categories of biological material regardless of their infectious status.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Radioactive materials
Radioactive materials may only be shipped to Mexico if prior authorization has been obtained from the destination country's National Nuclear Energy Commission (Commission Nationale d'Energie Nucleaire, Av. Insurgentes Sur 1079, Mexico).
Conditions and documents
- Prior authorization obtained from Mexico's National Nuclear Energy Commission (Commission Nationale d'Energie Nucleaire, Av. Insurgentes Sur 1079, Mexico) → permitted
Documents: Prior authorization from the National Nuclear Energy Commission (Commission Nationale d'Energie Nucleaire), Mexico
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
- Conditional
Toxic substances
Toxic substances are conditionally permitted to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipments, provided they meet specific labeling, double-container, and material requirements. The outer box must bear the inscription 'Composition veneneuse' and the manufacturer's trademark, and inner and outer containers must be made of approved materials.
Conditions and documents
- Outer box is labeled 'Composition veneneuse' and bears the manufacturer's trademark → condition met
- Item is packed in a double container → condition met
- Outer container is made of metal, wood, glass, or fiber → condition met
- Inner container is made of metal, glass, or fiber → condition met
- If contents are liquid, inner container is packed with a suitable absorbent material → condition met
- All above conditions are satisfied → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 38
Weapons
2 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Matches and Ammunition
Matches, primed metallic cartridges and cases for portable firearms, and non-explosive artillery fuze components are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. These items are not permitted regardless of quantity or purpose.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
Tear Gas Launcher
Tear gas launchers and devices designed for firing tear gas are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies to all such articles intended for the discharge of tear gas.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Weapons
Weapons are conditionally permitted for shipment to Mexico only when the recipient has obtained authorization from the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional / Secretariat de la guerre et de la marine). Shipments without this authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense (Secretariat de la guerre et de la marine) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Secretariat of National Defense (Secretariat de la guerre et de la marine)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Books & printed matter
2 prohibited
- Prohibited
Printed matter infringing copyright laws of the destination country
Printed matter that violates Mexico's copyright laws is prohibited from shipment via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to any printed materials deemed to infringe the destination country's copyright legislation.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Publications contrary to public order and morals
Printed materials and mail items that are contrary to public order and morals are prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This covers any publication or correspondence containing content deemed to violate public order or decency.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Currency & valuables
2 prohibited
- Prohibited
Banknotes and Negotiable Securities
Registered mail items containing coins, banknotes, currency, bearer negotiable securities, traveler's checks, platinum/gold/silver (worked or unworked), pearls, gemstones, or other valuables are prohibited for shipment to Mexico via Regular and EMS services. This prohibition applies to any such registered ordinary mail enclosing these items.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Currency and Banknotes (of countries other than the destination country)
Currency coins and banknotes issued by countries other than Mexico are prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via regular and parcel shipping. This restriction applies to all foreign-issued monetary instruments.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Medicine & supplements
2 prohibited
- Prohibited
Narcotics
Narcotics are prohibited for shipment to Mexico via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This includes opium, morphine, cocaine, and other narcotic drugs.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Prohibited
Powdered articles, medicines, etc.
Powdered articles, medicines (including pills, lozenges, cachets, powdered drugs, capsules, and medicinal drops), and animal-derived whey and serum proteins are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
Alcohol
1 conditional
- Conditional
Wine and Alcoholic Beverages
Wine and alcoholic beverages may only be shipped to Mexico if the sender has obtained authorization from the relevant authority (Secretariat du commerce) in the destination country. Shipment is conditional on holding this permit.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authority (Secretariat du commerce) in Mexico → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Secretariat du commerce (Mexico)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
Tobacco
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Electronic cigarettes and similar products
Electronic cigarettes and similar products are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This includes electronic nicotine delivery systems, similar electronic delivery systems, consumables, tanks, cartridges, refill containers, accessories, heated tobacco products (conventional and herbal), and similar products.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Other items
3 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Baby Pacifier (Soother / Dummy)
Baby pacifiers (soothers/dummies) are prohibited from shipment to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of type or material.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 39
- Prohibited
Lottery tickets (foreign)
Lottery tickets and lottery-related articles issued by countries other than Mexico are prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Silk
Silk is prohibited from being shipped to Mexico via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No further details or conditions are specified in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 50
- Conditional
All other goods exceeding 1,000 Mexican pesos in value
All other goods with a declared value exceeding 1,000 Mexican pesos may only be shipped to Mexico if prior authorization has been obtained from the relevant authority (Secretariat du commerce). This condition applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Conditions and documents
- Value exceeds 1,000 Mexican pesos AND authorization from Secretariat du commerce has been obtained → permitted
- Value exceeds 1,000 Mexican pesos AND authorization from Secretariat du commerce has NOT been obtained → prohibited
Documents: Authorization from the Secretariat du commerce (relevant authority of the destination country)
- Conditional
Plastic products
Plastic products may only be shipped to Mexico if the consignee has obtained permission from the relevant authority (Secretaría de Comercio). Shipment is conditional upon holding this authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the relevant authority (Secretaría de Comercio) of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Secretaría de Comercio (Mexico)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 39
- Conditional
Raw material waste / manufacturing scraps
Waste or scraps of raw materials used in the manufacture of paper, cardboard, or paper products, or used in the export of sugar or coffee, may only be shipped to Mexico if prior authorization has been obtained from the competent authority (Secretariat du commerce). Shipment is conditional on holding this permission.
Conditions and documents
- Raw material waste used in the manufacture of paper, cardboard, or paper products, or used in the export of sugar or coffee → Permitted only with authorization from the competent authority (Secretariat du commerce)
Documents: Authorization from the competent authority (Secretariat du commerce)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 47
Applies to every destination, including Mexico
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 Mexico?
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 Mexico?
- Japan Post's import rules for Mexico prohibit 23 item types, including Baby Pacifier (Soother / Dummy); Untanned leather (raw hides and skins); Hooves; Matches and Ammunition; Straw; Printed matter infringing copyright laws of the destination country; Currency and Banknotes (of countries other than the destination country); Horn / Antler / Tusk; and 15 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 Mexico only under conditions?
- 10 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Canned goods (animal-based); Raw material waste / manufacturing scraps; All other goods exceeding 1,000 Mexican pesos in value; Chocolate; Wine and Alcoholic Beverages; Plastic products; Plants; Weapons; and 2 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 Mexico?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Mexico; 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.