What you can't ship from Japan to Singapore
37 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 25 item types that cannot be sent to Singapore and 12 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
- 25
- Conditional
- 12
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Singapore. 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
3 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is prohibited for shipment to Singapore via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies regardless of quantity or type.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 17
- Prohibited
Milk (including skimmed milk)
Milk, including skimmed milk, is prohibited from being shipped to Singapore via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This restriction covers dairy milk in its various forms.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Prohibited
Sodium Cyclamate, Calcium Cyclamate, and articles containing them
Sodium cyclamate, calcium cyclamate, and any articles containing either of these substances are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via regular, parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition applies to the pure compounds as well as any products in which they are present as an ingredient.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Animal fats
Importing animal fats or products containing animal fats into Singapore is conditionally permitted, provided a certificate signed by the official veterinary authority of the country of origin is attached and an import permit issued in advance by the Director of Primary Production of the destination country is obtained.
Conditions and documents
- Certificate signed by the official veterinary authority of the country of origin is attached → condition for permitted import
- Import permit issued in advance by the Director, Primary Production of Singapore is obtained → condition for permitted import
Documents: Certificate signed by the official veterinary authority of the country of origin; Import permit issued by the Director, Primary Production of Singapore
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 15
- Conditional
Meat (beef and pork only)
Beef and pork may be sent to Singapore for personal use only, with parcels limited to 5 kg; an export quarantine certificate issued by the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must be obtained in Japan before dispatch. For details, confirm with the nearest animal quarantine station.
Conditions and documents
- Personal use only; parcel shipments limited to 5 kg → permitted
- Export quarantine certificate issued by the Animal Quarantine Service (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) obtained before dispatch from Japan → required
Documents: Export quarantine certificate (輸出検疫証明書) issued by the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (農林水産省動物検疫所)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Conditional
Processed food products
Processed food products may be shipped to Singapore, but if both the total weight exceeds 5 kilograms and the value exceeds SGD 100, prior approval from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is required. Shipments that do not exceed both thresholds are not subject to this approval requirement.
Conditions and documents
- Total weight exceeds 5 kg AND value exceeds SGD 100 → Prior approval from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is required
- Total weight does not exceed 5 kg OR value does not exceed SGD 100 → No prior approval required
Documents: Prior approval from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 21
- Conditional
Seafood / Marine Products
Certain seafood shipments to Singapore require prior approval from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA): fish products exceeding 5 kg total weight (excluding processed frozen crab and shrimp), and processed frozen crab and shrimp exceeding 2 kg total weight.
Conditions and documents
- Fish products (excluding processed frozen crab and shrimp) with total weight exceeding 5 kg → Prior approval from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) required
- Fish products (excluding processed frozen crab and shrimp) with total weight of 5 kg or less → No AVA approval required
- Processed frozen crab and shrimp with total weight exceeding 2 kg → Prior approval from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) required
- Processed frozen crab and shrimp with total weight of 2 kg or less → No AVA approval required
Documents: Prior approval from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 03
Chemicals
5 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Compounds and preparations containing sodium and/or calcium
Compounds of sodium and calcium, as well as any preparations containing either or both of these substances, are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via regular, parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers pure compounds of sodium or calcium and any mixture or formulation incorporating them.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
- Prohibited
Lighters (butane gas-filled, refill gas, and pistol/revolver-shaped lighters)
Lighters filled with butane gas, replacement/refill gas for lighters, and lighters shaped like a pistol or revolver are prohibited from shipment to Singapore. This restriction applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
Liquids and substances for medical research or analysis
Liquids and substances intended for medical research or analytical purposes are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This applies regardless of the specific substance or its intended scientific use.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 38
- Prohibited
Radioactive substances (radioluminescent watch dials and self-luminous paints)
Radioactive substances, specifically radioluminescent watch dials and self-luminous paints, are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via Regular mail and EMS. These items may not be sent through either applicable shipping type.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
- Prohibited
Unclean or Harmful Substances
Unclean or harmful substances are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Items that may cause harm to the human body through natural decomposition are also prohibited unless enclosed in a sealed container.
Details and exceptions
- item is enclosed in a sealed container → permitted
- Conditional
Poisons and toxic substances
Poisons, preparations, solutions, compounds, alloys, and natural substances containing toxic materials are conditionally permitted for shipment to Singapore, provided they do not violate Singapore's regulations on poisons. Shipment is allowed only when such regulations are complied with.
Conditions and documents
- Does not violate the destination country's regulations on poisons → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
Currency & valuables
3 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Currency, Banknotes, and Related Instruments
Counterfeit or altered coins and currency, coins and bullion valued over SGD 50 (excluding clearly decorative coins), and banknotes, paper currency, and bearer securities are prohibited for shipment to Singapore. For banknotes and paper currency, see the conditional entry for 'Banknotes etc.'
Details and exceptions
- Coins that are clearly decorative → excluded from prohibition on coins and bullion over SGD 50
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Imitation banknotes or coins (including game money and reproductions of legal tender)
Imitation banknotes or coins — including game money and any articles reproducing banknotes, bank notes, or coins that are legal tender in any country or territory — are prohibited from being shipped to Singapore. This applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Registered ordinary mail containing valuables
Registered ordinary mail items containing coins, banknotes, currency, traveller's cheques, platinum, gold, or silver (worked or unworked), pearls, gemstones, or other valuables are prohibited for shipment to Singapore via regular mail. This prohibition applies to registered ordinary mail (as distinct from registered parcels or other mail categories).
- Conditional
Banknotes and Paper Currency
Banknotes and paper currency may only be sent to Singapore if shipped as an insured letter. Any other shipping method is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- shipped as an insured letter (保険付書状) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Plants & animals
1 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Plants with soil attached
Plants shipped with soil attached are prohibited to Singapore via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. The restriction applies specifically to plants that have soil on or around their roots or body.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
- Conditional
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables may be shipped to Singapore in small, reasonable quantities without prior authorization; however, quantities exceeding a small and reasonable amount require advance permission from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority. Shippers are also advised to refer to the 'Plants' entry for additional requirements.
Conditions and documents
- quantity is small and within a reasonable range → permitted without prior authorization
- quantity exceeds a small and reasonable amount → prior permission from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority is required
Documents: Prior permission from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) — required when quantity exceeds a small and reasonable amount
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 07
- Conditional
Pig bristles / pig hair
Pig bristles (pig hair) may be sent to Singapore only if they have been disinfected in the country of origin, are accompanied by a quarantine certificate describing the disinfection method, and an import permit has been obtained in advance from the Director, Primary Production. The consignment must also be addressed care of that authority.
Conditions and documents
- Disinfected in the country of origin AND accompanied by a quarantine certificate describing the disinfection method AND import permit obtained in advance from the Director, Primary Production AND consignment addressed care of that authority → permitted
Documents: Quarantine certificate describing the disinfection method (issued in the country of origin); Import permit from the Director, Primary Production (Singapore)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Plants
Harmful plants and soil (including soil attached to plants) may only be shipped to Singapore if sent to the relevant authorities of the destination country for scientific purposes. Export inspection by a plant protection station and an import permit from the destination country may also be required.
Conditions and documents
- Harmful plants and soil (including soil attached to plants) sent to the relevant authorities of the destination country for scientific purposes → permitted
- Rice shipped for personal, non-commercial use → permitted without prior notification to regional agricultural policy bureau
- Rice shipped for purposes other than personal non-commercial 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); Import permit from destination country authorities (名宛国の輸入許可証)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Medicine & supplements
2 conditional
- Conditional
Hypodermic Syringe
Hypodermic syringes are conditionally permitted for shipment to Singapore via regular, parcel, and EMS services. Shippers should ensure applicable conditions are met prior to sending.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Conditional
Narcotic Drugs
Opium, morphine, cocaine, and other narcotic drugs sent for medical or scientific purposes are permitted only when authorization has been obtained from the Director of Health of the destination country (Singapore). Shipments without such authorization are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Sent for medical or scientific purposes AND authorization obtained from the Director of Health of the destination country (Singapore) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Director of Health of Singapore
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
Tobacco
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Vaporizers (e-cigarettes, electronic pipes, electronic cigars, etc.) and tobacco for water pipes (shisha)
Vaporizers including e-cigarettes, electronic pipes, and electronic cigars, as well as tobacco intended for water pipes (shisha), are prohibited from being shipped to Singapore via Parcel and EMS. This prohibition applies regardless of intended use or whether the product contains nicotine.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Weapons
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Weapons
All weapons, parts of weapons, firearms, parts of firearms, and guns that discharge harmful liquids, gases, or other substances are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Other items
11 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Advertising and promotional materials related to lucky charms, mascots, and talismans
Advertising and promotional materials for lucky charms, mascots, and talismans (such as omamori and similar amulets) are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies to the promotional/advertising materials associated with such items.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Articles contrary to public order (obscene or indecent printed matter and images)
Obscene or indecent printed materials, paintings, photographs, lithographs, graphics, books, cards, and similar articles are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to any such item deemed contrary to public order.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Articles inciting rebellion or displaying unlawful language/images
Items that themselves, or whose packaging, display language or imagery that incites rebellion, uses intimidation, or is otherwise unlawful are prohibited from shipment to Singapore. This applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Counterfeit postage stamps and counterfeit postage meter impressions
Counterfeit postage stamps and mail bearing counterfeit impressions from Singapore's postage meters are prohibited from shipment to Singapore. This prohibition applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Dangerous goods — inadequately protected sharp blades and articles hazardous by nature or packaging
Sharp bladed items that are insufficiently protected, and any articles that by their nature or packaging may endanger postal staff or damage other mail items, are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers items deemed dangerous due to inadequate containment or inherently hazardous properties.
- Prohibited
Items prohibited under the laws and regulations of the destination country
Any items that are not permitted under the laws and regulations of Singapore are prohibited from being shipped. This restriction applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
- Prohibited
Lottery tickets and gambling-related articles
Lottery tickets and articles related to gambling are prohibited from shipment to Singapore via Regular mail, Parcel, and EMS. This prohibition covers lottery tickets as well as any goods associated with gambling activities.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 95
- Prohibited
Mail items bearing markings that could be mistaken for official government mail of the destination country
Mail items that carry any inscription, marking, or notation liable to cause them to be mistaken for official government postal items of Singapore are prohibited. This restriction applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
- Prohibited
Postal items containing personal correspondence addressed to a third party
Postal items (sent via Regular mail or EMS) that contain letters, notes, or documents constituting real and personal communication addressed to someone other than the addressee or a person living with the addressee are prohibited. This covers correspondence intended for a third party enclosed within a parcel or other mail item.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Promotional and advertising materials for narcotics, sexual stimulants, or venereal disease medicines
Promotional and advertising materials relating to narcotics, sexual stimulants, or venereal disease medicines are prohibited from being shipped to Singapore via Regular and EMS services. This applies to any such advertising or publicity materials regardless of format.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Trademark and Copyright Infringing Goods
Goods that infringe trademark or copyright law are prohibited from being shipped to Singapore via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This covers any articles that violate trademark or copyright protections.
- Conditional
Loose Gemstones / Loose Pearls
Loose gemstones and loose pearls (not mounted or set in any article) may only be shipped to Singapore if they do not violate Singapore's Import Control and Customs Regulations and prior permission has been obtained from the Postmaster General of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Not mounted or set in any article, does not violate Singapore's Import Control and Customs Regulations, and prior permission has been obtained from the Postmaster General of Singapore → permitted
Documents: Prior permission from the Postmaster General of Singapore
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
Applies to every destination, including Singapore
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 Singapore?
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 Singapore?
- Japan Post's import rules for Singapore prohibit 25 item types, including Advertising and promotional materials related to lucky charms, mascots, and talismans; Liquids and substances for medical research or analysis; Sodium Cyclamate, Calcium Cyclamate, and articles containing them; Promotional and advertising materials for narcotics, sexual stimulants, or venereal disease medicines; Compounds and preparations containing sodium and/or calcium; Unclean or Harmful Substances; Imitation banknotes or coins (including game money and reproductions of legal tender); Mail items bearing markings that could be mistaken for official government mail of the destination country; and 17 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 Singapore only under conditions?
- 12 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Banknotes and Paper Currency; Loose Gemstones / Loose Pearls; Plants; Hypodermic Syringe; Animal fats; Poisons and toxic substances; Pig bristles / pig hair; Meat (beef and pork only); and 4 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 Singapore?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Singapore; 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.