What you can't ship from Japan to Papua New Guinea
48 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 19 item types that cannot be sent to Papua New Guinea and 29 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
- 19
- Conditional
- 29
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Papua New Guinea. 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.
Medicine & supplements
1 prohibited · 7 conditional
- Prohibited
Tuberculosis preventive drugs
Tuberculosis preventive drugs are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Aphrodisiacs (Cantharides and other aphrodisiacs)
Cantharides and other aphrodisiacs may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea if the consignee has obtained permission from the Minister for Customs and Excise of the destination country. Shipment is conditional upon holding this official authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Minister for Customs and Excise of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Minister for Customs and Excise of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Hangover remedies and detoxifying agents (alcohol, nicotine, opium, cocaine, and other drug antidotes)
Remedies and antidotes for hangover, alcoholism, nicotine addiction, opium, cocaine, or other drug dependency are conditionally permitted into Papua New Guinea. Shipment is allowed only when the consignee has obtained prior authorization from the PNG Minister responsible for Customs and General Taxation.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization has been obtained from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Taxation of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the PNG Minister responsible for Customs and General Taxation
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Medicines and Pharmaceuticals
Internal (oral) medicines and external-use medicines may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea if the sender or recipient has obtained permission from the Director General for the Department of Health. Shipment is conditional on holding that official authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Director General for the Department of Health of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director General for the Department of Health of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Narcotics / Controlled Drugs
Narcotics, anaesthetics, hallucinogens, amphetamines and other central nervous system stimulants, and barbiturates (a type of hypnotic) are only permitted when authorisation has been obtained from the relevant authority in the destination country (Minister for Customs and Excise). Shipment without such authorisation is not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- Authorisation obtained from the Minister for Customs and Excise of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Authorisation from the Minister for Customs and Excise of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Therapeutic Devices
Items that produce therapeutic effects through electricity, ultrasound, magnetism, or radioactive elements may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea with prior approval from the destination country's Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue. Shipment is conditional on holding this authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Prior approval obtained from the Minister of Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Minister of Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Conditional
Thermometer
Thermometers are conditionally permitted to Papua New Guinea via Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipments. They are allowed only when the conditions established by the destination country are met.
Conditions and documents
- Conditions established by Papua New Guinea are met → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Conditional
Vaccines and Related Biological Products
Vaccines for vaccination, emulsions, and plasma may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea if the sender has obtained permission from the head of the quarantine station in the destination country. These items are conditionally permitted subject to that authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission has been obtained from the head of the quarantine station in the destination country (Papua New Guinea) → permitted
Documents: Permission from the head of the quarantine station in Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
Chemicals
1 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Matches
Matches are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Conditional
Fireworks
All types of fireworks may be shipped to Papua New Guinea only if the consignee has obtained permission from the country's Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue. Shipment without this authorisation is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Conditional
Pathogens and Related Biological Substances
Pathogens, bacteria, viruses, cultures containing or potentially containing these organisms, and related biological substances may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea if prior permission has been obtained from the director of the quarantine office of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Prior permission obtained from the director of the quarantine office of the destination country (Papua New Guinea) → permitted
Documents: Permission from the director of the quarantine office of the destination country (Papua New Guinea)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Radioactive Materials
Radioactive materials — including radium and radioactive isotopes — and articles containing them are permitted only when the prescribed conditions are met.
Conditions and documents
- prescribed conditions are met → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
- Conditional
Toxic / Hazardous Goods
Goods deemed dangerous and harmful to the public by the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea are only permitted when prior authorisation has been obtained from that Minister.
Conditions and documents
- Authorisation obtained from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Authorisation from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
Food
1 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Animal products (various)
A wide range of animal-derived products are prohibited from being sent to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. These include items such as honeycombs, animal-based fertilizers, animal bladders, egg packaging materials, used animal care tools (excluding harnesses), dried blood and blood proteins, meat and meat products, cooked meat and edible animal parts, canned pork, animal stomachs and their unprocessed extracts, milk in any form, animal semen, bird carcasses and edible parts (including poultry), eggs, egg noodles, egg whites in any form, bird feathers, and oysters in the shell.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Conditional
Confectionery
Confectionery containing alcoholic beverages is permitted only with prior authorization from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue in Papua New Guinea. Without such authorization, alcohol-containing confectionery may not be shipped.
Conditions and documents
- confectionery contains alcoholic beverages AND authorization has been obtained from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 17
- Conditional
Glycol
Foods, beverages, and medicines containing glycol may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea with prior authorization from the country's Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue. Shipments lacking this authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea
- Conditional
Margarine
Margarine and other artificial butter products may be shipped to Papua New Guinea only if they are colored as required by the destination country's regulations and the parcel clearly indicates its contents. Both conditions must be met simultaneously.
Conditions and documents
- Colored as required by the destination country AND the parcel clearly indicates the contents → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 15
- Conditional
Sugar and related products
Sugarcane, sugar beet, molasses, and the product known as golden syrup may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea if the consignee has obtained permission from the country's Minister for Primary Industries. All four product types are conditional on holding that ministerial permit.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Minister for Primary Industries of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Minister for Primary Industries of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 17
Plants & animals
2 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Soil
Soil is prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS services. This prohibition includes small amounts of soil attached to plants or other items.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 26
- Prohibited
Tea dregs (used tea leaves / spent tea grounds)
Used tea leaves and spent tea grounds are prohibited from being sent to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. This restriction covers tea residue remaining after brewing.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 09
- Conditional
Animals and Animal Products
Animals and animal products (including untanned leather drums, hunting trophies, vaccines, cultures, honey, cooked and canned meat, live fish, fish eggs, animal hair, reptile and fish skins, wool, animal feed made from fish and whale, and insects) are conditionally permitted to Papua New Guinea, each subject to specific authorizations, permits, certificates, or conditions as stipulated by the destination country's customs, quarantine, or ministerial authorities. Specific documentation and shipping method requirements apply depending on the type of animal product.
Conditions and documents
- Animals, drums made of untanned leather, hunting trophies, and other animal products, vaccines or cultures, and honey → Permitted only if authorized by the destination country's customs authority or quarantine service (Service de la santé)
- Cooked meat and canned meat (excluding pork), with specification of weight, storage conditions, and temperature, plus certificates from government authorities and the manufacturer → Permitted only if accompanied by the required specifications and certificates
- Live fish and fish eggs, with permit from the Minister responsible for customs and general taxation, and compliance with sanitary regulations → Permitted only if the ministerial permit is obtained and sanitary rules are observed
- Honey addressed to the Chief Quarantine Officer of the destination country → Permitted only if consigned directly to the Chief Quarantine Officer of PNG
- Animal hair with specification of washing/cleaning treatment → Permitted only if accompanied by a specification describing its cleaning
- Reptile skins and fish skins with permit from the quarantine officer of the destination country → Permitted only if the quarantine officer's authorization is obtained
- Wool and wool samples not exceeding 3 pounds (1.362 kg), meeting destination country's conditions for dispatch and disinfection, sent by sea mail → Permitted only if weight limit is met, destination conditions for dispatch and disinfection are satisfied, and shipment is by sea mail
- Animal feed made from fish and whale sent by sea mail → Permitted only if sent by sea mail
- Insects and insect parasites for experimental or plant/animal protection purposes with permit from the head of the quarantine station → Permitted only if intended for experimental or protective purposes and the quarantine station head's permit is obtained
Documents: Authorization from the destination country's customs authority or quarantine service (Service de la santé) — for animals, untanned leather drums, hunting trophies, other animal products, vaccines, cultures, and honey; Specification of weight, storage conditions, and temperature — for cooked meat and canned meat (excluding pork); Certificate from government authorities — for cooked meat and canned meat (excluding pork); Certificate from the manufacturer — for cooked meat and canned meat (excluding pork); Permit from the Minister responsible for customs and general taxation — for live fish and fish eggs; Specification of cleaning/washing treatment — for animal hair; Permit from the quarantine officer of the destination country — for reptile skins and fish skins; Permit from the head of the quarantine station — for insects and insect parasites
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Packaging made of straw
Packaging made of straw materials is conditionally permitted for shipment to Papua New Guinea. Such packaging is only allowed when permission has been obtained from the Director of the Quarantine Station.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Director of the Quarantine Station (検疫所長の許可) → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director of the Quarantine Station (検疫所長の許可)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 14
- Conditional
Plants
Plants shipped to Papua New Guinea may require an export inspection by a plant protection station and an import permit from the destination country. Senders are advised to confirm requirements with their nearest plant protection station or PNG's plant quarantine authority in advance.
Conditions and documents
- Export inspection by a plant protection station (植物防疫所) and import permit from the destination country are obtained → may be permitted
Documents: Export inspection certificate from a plant protection station (植物防疫所); Import permit from the destination country's plant quarantine authority
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Currency & valuables
2 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Counterfeit Banknotes
Counterfeit banknotes are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via parcel or EMS. This restriction applies to any imitation or replica of banknotes.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Counterfeit Currency
Counterfeit currency is prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. This applies to any falsified or forged monetary coins or banknotes.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Currency and Precious Metals
Currency and precious metals are conditionally permitted to Papua New Guinea via regular mail, but only when sent as registered mail. Shipments not sent by registered mail are not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- Sent as registered mail → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Currency and Precious Metals
Coins, banknotes, bearer securities, platinum, gold, silver, pearls, gemstones, and other valuables are permitted to Papua New Guinea by parcel only when sent as insured parcels.
Conditions and documents
- Sent as an insured parcel → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
Alcohol
2 prohibited
- Prohibited
Absinthe
Absinthe is prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of quantity or packaging.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
- Prohibited
Counterfeit Brandy
Counterfeit or imitation brandy is prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. This applies to any product falsely presented or passed off as brandy.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
Weapons
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Firearm Silencers / Suppressors
Silencers and suppressors for firearms are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via parcel or EMS. This prohibition applies to all such sound-reduction devices designed for use on guns.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Weapons
The following weapon types are conditionally permitted to Papua New Guinea only with prior authorization from the country's Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue: chemical warfare gases, chemicals, and chemical equipment; pistols and pistol parts; firearms of calibre 0.22 inches (approx. 5.6 mm) or above and their parts; daggers, jackknives, clubs, axes, knuckledusters, sword canes, and concealed firearms; and gas guns. Shipment without such authorization is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Tobacco
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Explosive Cigars and Cigarettes
Cigars and cigarettes that are explosive in nature are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. This restriction applies specifically to tobacco products designed or modified to cause an explosion.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Other items
8 prohibited · 8 conditional
- Prohibited
Amulets and Charms
Amulets, talismans, and other protective charms are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. This prohibition covers all items classified as護符 (protective talismans) and similar good-luck or protective charms.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 97
- Prohibited
Collectible Stamps (Registered Mail with False Address)
Registered mail items containing collectible stamps and bearing a false or fictitious addressee/address are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea. This prohibition applies to both regular mail and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 97
- Prohibited
Consignment Notes / Waybill Forms
Unused or partially completed consignment note (waybill) forms are prohibited from being sent to Papua New Guinea via Parcel or EMS. This restriction applies regardless of whether the forms are blank or only partially filled in.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Goods bearing counterfeit trademarks
Goods affixed with counterfeit trademarks are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. This applies to any product carrying a forged or fake brand mark.
- Prohibited
Goods manufactured by prisoners
Goods that are wholly or partly manufactured by prisoners are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel and EMS. This applies regardless of the type of product, provided it was produced in whole or in part by prison labor.
- Prohibited
Goods with falsely represented government or official guarantees
Goods that falsely display a guarantee from a government, public authority, or official regarding their manufacturing method or quality are prohibited from shipment to Papua New Guinea. This applies to both parcel and EMS shipping.
- Prohibited
Opium pipes and their parts and accessories
Opium pipes, along with their parts and accessories, are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via parcel or EMS. This prohibition covers the complete item as well as any individual components or attachments.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Prohibited
Used bedding and articles made from textile waste/rags
Used bedding, as well as wool waste, cotton waste, other rags, and bedding or other articles made from such materials, are prohibited from being shipped to Papua New Guinea via Parcel or EMS. This prohibition covers secondhand bedding items and products manufactured from textile scraps or waste fibers.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
- Conditional
Carpets (used)
Used carpets and similar items are conditionally permitted for shipment to Papua New Guinea. Entry is allowed only if the items have undergone disinfection as stipulated by the country's Chief Quarantine Officer.
Conditions and documents
- Disinfection has been carried out as specified by the Chief Quarantine Officer of the destination country → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 57
- Conditional
Film and Related Items (Cinema/Photography)
Film for cinema or photographic use, and articles used for advertising imported films, are conditionally permitted into Papua New Guinea. Importation is allowed only when the conditions prescribed by the PNG government are satisfied.
Conditions and documents
- Film for cinema or photographic use, or articles used for advertising imported films → permitted only when conditions prescribed by the PNG government are met
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 37
- Conditional
Human bones and tissue
Human bones and tissue intended for scientific purposes are conditionally permitted for shipment to Papua New Guinea, provided that prior authorization has been obtained from the quarantine station chief of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Used for scientific purposes AND authorization obtained from the quarantine station chief of the destination country (Papua New Guinea) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the quarantine station chief of the destination country (Papua New Guinea)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Insulated Conductors and Electric Wire
Insulated conductors and electric wire are conditionally permitted for shipment to Papua New Guinea, provided they meet the conditions established by the destination country. No further details on those conditions are specified in the source.
Conditions and documents
- Meets the conditions established by the destination country (Papua New Guinea) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Conditional
Items bearing national flags, coats of arms, or similar emblems
Articles displaying the national flag or coat of arms of Papua New Guinea or its territories, or designs that could be mistaken for them, are subject to conditional restrictions. Shipment via regular mail, parcel, or EMS is conditionally permitted.
- Conditional
Jute sacks (used)
Used jute sacks may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea if they are held for 90 days and, where required, undergo disinfection under the direction of the Chief Quarantine Officer, and are permitted by the Minister responsible for Customs and Inland Revenue. New jute sacks are not addressed by this restriction.
Conditions and documents
- Used jute sacks held for 90 days and, where required, disinfected under the direction of the Chief Quarantine Officer, AND permitted by the Minister responsible for Customs and Inland Revenue → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Minister responsible for Customs and Inland Revenue (Papua New Guinea)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
- Conditional
Printed matter and advertisements
Advertisements for items prohibited from import into Papua New Guinea, and documents of a nature inciting the violent overthrow of any government or laws, assassination of officials, or unlawful destruction of property, are only permitted with the authorization of the PNG Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue. All other printed matter and advertisements are conditionally permitted subject to this requirement where applicable.
Conditions and documents
- Advertisements for items prohibited from import into PNG, or documents inciting violent overthrow of government/laws, assassination of officials, or unlawful destruction of property → Permitted only with authorization from the PNG Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue
Documents: Authorization from the Papua New Guinea Minister responsible for Customs and General Revenue
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Used Clothing
Used clothing is conditionally permitted for import into Papua New Guinea, except when imported for personal or family use. A permit issued by the Chief Quarantine Officer of the destination country is required.
Conditions and documents
- Imported for personal or family use → permitted (exempt from permit requirement)
- Not imported for personal or family use → permitted only with a permit from the Chief Quarantine Officer of Papua New Guinea
Documents: Permit issued by the Chief Quarantine Officer of Papua New Guinea
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
Applies to every destination, including Papua New Guinea
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 Papua New Guinea?
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 Papua New Guinea?
- Japan Post's import rules for Papua New Guinea prohibit 19 item types, including Absinthe; Opium pipes and their parts and accessories; Amulets and Charms; Goods manufactured by prisoners; Explosive Cigars and Cigarettes; Counterfeit Brandy; Goods with falsely represented government or official guarantees; Matches; and 11 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 Papua New Guinea only under conditions?
- 29 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Glycol; Carpets (used); Film and Related Items (Cinema/Photography); Margarine; Vaccines and Related Biological Products; Packaging made of straw; Printed matter and advertisements; Fireworks; and 21 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 Papua New Guinea?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Papua New Guinea; 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.