What you can't ship from Japan to Nigeria
53 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 44 item types that cannot be sent to Nigeria and 9 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
- 44
- Conditional
- 9
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Nigeria. 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
6 prohibited
- Prohibited
Bread, Rice Crackers, and Other Bread/Bakery Products
Bread, rice crackers, and other bread and bakery products are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS. This restriction covers all such baked and grain-based snack items.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 19
- Prohibited
Confectionery and related items
Cakes, biscuits, and confectionery are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS. These items may not be sent through either service.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 19
- Prohibited
Flavored or Colored Beet Sugar
Beet sugar that has been flavored or colored is prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via parcel or EMS. Only flavored or colored varieties of beet sugar are covered by this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 17
- Prohibited
Meat, vegetables, and other foodstuffs deemed unfit for human consumption by the destination country's health authorities
Meat, vegetables, and other foodstuffs that have been determined unfit for human consumption by Nigeria's health authorities are prohibited from import via parcel and EMS. This prohibition covers any food item falling under such a determination.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Prohibited
Tea
Tea is prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 09
- Prohibited
Tea (used, adulterated, or water-soaked)
Tea that has already been used, mixed with other substances, or soaked in water is prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. Only such adulterated or spent tea falls under this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 09
Plants & animals
5 prohibited
- Prohibited
Artificial flowers and fruits; fresh or dried shell-on fruits (including coconuts), excluding kola nuts for oil extraction
Artificial flowers and fruits, as well as fresh or dried fruits in their shells (including coconuts), are prohibited for shipment to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS. Kola nuts intended for oil extraction are excluded from this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 08
- Prohibited
Cowrie shells
Cowrie shells are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Prohibited
Heads, bones, horns, and similar parts of protected animals
Heads, horns, tusks, and hides of animals protected under Nigeria's wildlife conservation law are prohibited from import via parcel and EMS. This restriction applies to parts derived from protected wild animals as defined by Nigerian wildlife protection legislation.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Prohibited
Plants
Plants and plant materials are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This includes flower and vegetable seeds, peanuts, grains such as rice and soybeans, and plant parts including cuttings, shoots, fresh flowers, and cut flowers.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
- Prohibited
Soil
Soil is prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via parcel or EMS. Disinfected soil is exempt from this prohibition.
Details and exceptions
- soil is disinfected → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 26
Chemicals
2 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Matches
Matches are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of match type or quantity.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
White Phosphorus Matches
White phosphorus matches are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This prohibition applies to all such matches regardless of quantity or packaging.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Conditional
Distillation apparatus (still)
Distillation apparatus or its parts may only be shipped to Nigeria if the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission. Shipment is conditional on obtaining that official authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Nigeria) → permitted
Documents: Authorization/permission from the relevant authorities of Nigeria
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 84
- Conditional
Tear Gas
Tear gas may only be shipped to Nigeria if the recipient has obtained authorization from the President of the destination country. Shipment is permitted solely under this condition.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the President of Nigeria → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
Currency & valuables
2 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Counterfeit Currency
Counterfeit coins and banknotes are prohibited from shipment to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This applies to all forged or falsified monetary instruments.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Gold, Silver, Currency, Gemstones, and Related Valuables
Gold, silver, currency (including currency not legal tender in Nigeria), banknotes, paper money (except items addressed to the Bank of Nigeria), bearer securities (except those sent as registered ordinary mail), gemstones, pearls, precious stones, and semi-precious stones are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via regular and parcel mail. Bearer securities sent as registered ordinary mail and paper money addressed to the Bank of Nigeria are excepted from this prohibition.
Details and exceptions
- Paper money (banknotes) addressed to the Bank of Nigeria → permitted
- Bearer securities sent as registered ordinary mail → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Replica / Imitation Currency Items
Items bearing designs similar to coins or banknotes are not permitted, except when they are textbooks or educational materials. Shipment is conditional on the item qualifying as a textbook or educational material.
Conditions and documents
- Item bears a design similar to coins or banknotes AND is a textbook or educational material → permitted
- Item bears a design similar to coins or banknotes AND is NOT a textbook or educational material → prohibited
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Books & printed matter
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Obscene and Immoral Printed Matter and Related Articles
Obscene or immoral printed matter, pictures, books, cards, engravings, and other such articles are prohibited from shipment to Nigeria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to all physical media carrying obscene or immoral content.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Publications relating to venereal diseases
Publications concerning the treatment of venereal diseases are conditionally permitted when addressed to authorized physicians, pharmacists, hospitals, or government agencies. Shipment to any other recipient is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Addressed to an authorized physician, pharmacist, hospital, or government agency → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Medicine & supplements
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Medicines and similar items
Medicines (pharmaceuticals) and aphrodisiacs are prohibited for shipment to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS. An exception applies to penicillin, streptomycin, and similar medicines, which are permitted only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country.
Details and exceptions
- Penicillin, streptomycin, or similar medicines with authorization from the relevant authorities of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the relevant authorities of the destination country (required for penicillin, streptomycin, and similar medicines)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Pharmaceutical drugs (penicillin, streptomycin, and similar medicines)
Penicillin, streptomycin, and similar pharmaceutical drugs are permitted only if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country. Shipment via parcel or EMS is subject to this condition.
Conditions and documents
- Penicillin, streptomycin, and similar pharmaceutical drugs have authorization from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Nigeria) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
Alcohol
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Alcohol and Pharmaceuticals / Medicines
Alcohol and pharmaceuticals/medicines are prohibited from shipment to Nigeria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Neither alcoholic beverages nor medicinal/pharmaceutical products may be sent through these shipping channels.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
Tobacco
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Tobacco / Manila Tobacco
Tobacco and Manila tobacco are prohibited from being sent to Nigeria via parcel and EMS services. This restriction covers all such tobacco products regardless of form.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Weapons
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Weapons
Weapons of all kinds — including hunting rifles, air guns, and guns that discharge harmful gases or liquids — are prohibited from shipment to Nigeria via parcel and EMS. This prohibition also covers metallic primers and cartridge cases for firearms, non-explosive artillery fuse materials, cartridge reloading tools, and ammunition loaded or fitted with toxic gases or liquids.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Other items
24 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Amulets / Lucky Charms
Amulets, lucky charms, and similar items are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via parcel and EMS services. This prohibition covers the items themselves and any articles similar in nature.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
- Prohibited
Blank invoices
Blank invoices are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Brushes (excluding nylon toothbrushes)
Brushes of all types are prohibited for shipment to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS, except for nylon toothbrushes, which are explicitly excluded from this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Prohibited
Calendars and Similar Items
Calendars, Christmas cards, other greeting cards, and diaries are prohibited from shipment to Nigeria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. These items may not be sent through any of the listed shipping channels.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Candles (household)
Household candles are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction applies to standard domestic-use candles.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 34
- Prohibited
Carpets
Carpets are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 57
- Prohibited
Ceramics and earthenware bearing Quranic text or commentary
Ceramics and earthenware items that depict text from the Quran or Quranic commentary are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via parcel or EMS. This applies to all such ceramic and pottery items regardless of form or intended use.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 69
- Prohibited
Clothing and Furs
Clothing and furs are prohibited from being sent to Nigeria via Parcel or EMS. This restriction covers garments and fur items.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 61
- Prohibited
Enamelled iron utensils / ironware
Enamelled iron utensils (ironware) are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction covers iron implements that have been coated with enamel.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 73
- Prohibited
Footwear / Shoes
Shoes and footwear are prohibited from being sent to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction applies to all types of footwear.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 64
- Prohibited
Glassware
Glassware is prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 70
- Prohibited
Hunting Lamps
Lamps specially designed for killing or capturing animals or birds are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel or EMS. This restriction covers any such lamp intended for hunting or trapping wildlife.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 94
- Prohibited
Imitation Jewellery / Costume Jewellery
Imitation (costume) jewellery is prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via parcel or EMS services. This restriction applies to all artificial or simulated gemstone jewellery items.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Lace and Netting
Lace and netting are prohibited from shipment to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS. These textile goods may not be sent through either service.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 58
- Prohibited
Lottery tickets and gambling-related items
Lottery tickets, various gambling tickets, gambling advertisements and promotional materials, fraudulent articles, football pools betting slips, and other items taking the form of a wager are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Plastic products (excluding infant feeding bottles)
Plastic products are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. Infant feeding bottles are explicitly excluded from this prohibition.
Details and exceptions
- item is an infant feeding bottle → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 39
- Prohibited
Rosary beads / prayer beads made of celluloid or similar easily flammable substances
Rosary beads or prayer beads made of celluloid or similarly flammable substances are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via parcel or EMS. Items of this type are banned due to their flammable material composition.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 39
- Prohibited
Sensitized paper and similar items
Thin sensitized (photosensitive) paper and carbon paper are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via parcel and EMS services. These items may not be included in any such shipment.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 37
- Prohibited
Subversive / reactionary articles
Articles likely to subvert religious sentiment or public order in Nigeria are prohibited from being sent by parcel or EMS. This applies to any item considered subversive or reactionary in the destination country.
- Prohibited
Textiles and Fabric Goods
Woven fabrics (excluding decorative braids and linings), towels, tracing cloth, fabric labels or badges (excluding those used by international organizations approved by the destination country), other fabric products, and madras cloth are prohibited from shipment to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS. This prohibition covers a broad range of textile goods made from woven or fabric materials.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
- Prohibited
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction applies to all forms of toothpaste.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 33
- Prohibited
Toothpicks
Toothpicks are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction applies to standard toothpick items as described.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 44
- Prohibited
Travel goods (excluding eyeglass cases)
Travel goods are prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. Eyeglass cases are explicitly excluded from this restriction.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
- Prohibited
Used Clothing
Used clothing is prohibited from being shipped to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction applies to all secondhand or previously worn garments.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
- Conditional
Machinery (Key-Cutting Machines)
Key-cutting machines are conditionally permitted to Nigeria by parcel and EMS shipments. They are only allowed when the recipient has obtained authorization from the Nigerian police authorities.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization has been obtained from the police authorities of Nigeria (the destination country) → permitted
Documents: Permission/authorization from Nigerian police authorities
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 84
- Conditional
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones may be shipped to Nigeria only when sent as registered or insured mail. Shipments not meeting this condition are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- sent as registered mail → permitted
- sent as insured mail → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Conditional
Precious Metals
Gold, platinum, and white gold may be shipped to Nigeria via regular and parcel services, but only if the value does not exceed 5 pounds sterling. Items valued above this threshold are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Value does not exceed 5 pounds sterling → permitted
- Value exceeds 5 pounds sterling → prohibited
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Uniforms
Uniforms may only be shipped to Nigeria if they are sent to a person who is entitled to wear them. Shipments not meeting this condition are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Shipped to a person entitled to wear the uniform → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 62
Applies to every destination, including Nigeria
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 Nigeria?
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 Nigeria?
- Japan Post's import rules for Nigeria prohibit 44 item types, including Alcohol and Pharmaceuticals / Medicines; Amulets / Lucky Charms; Glassware; Calendars and Similar Items; Carpets; Rosary beads / prayer beads made of celluloid or similar easily flammable substances; Tobacco / Manila Tobacco; Toothpicks; and 36 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 Nigeria only under conditions?
- 9 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Pharmaceutical drugs (penicillin, streptomycin, and similar medicines); Machinery (Key-Cutting Machines); Precious Metals; Mobile Phones; Tear Gas; Distillation apparatus (still); Uniforms; Publications relating to venereal diseases; and 1 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 Nigeria?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Nigeria; 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.