What you can't ship from Japan to Sweden
51 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 22 item types that cannot be sent to Sweden 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 October 1, 2026.
- Prohibited
- 22
- Conditional
- 29
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Sweden. 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 · 5 conditional
- Prohibited
Dairy products, bird eggs, natural honey, and edible animal products not elsewhere classified
Dairy products, bird eggs, natural honey, and other edible animal products not classified elsewhere are prohibited from shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction covers the full category of such animal-derived food items.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Prohibited
Fresh foodstuffs / Perishable food items
Fresh and perishable food items are prohibited from shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Prohibited
Preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates
Prepared or processed products made from meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates are prohibited from shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to all such preparations regardless of form or packaging.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 16
- Prohibited
Refrigerated, frozen, or perishable goods
Refrigerated, frozen, or perishable goods are prohibited from being sent to Sweden via EMS. This applies to all items requiring cold storage or those that are fresh/raw in nature.
- Prohibited
Residues and waste from the food industry, and prepared animal feed
Residues and waste generated from the food industry, as well as prepared animal feed, are prohibited from shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers food industry by-products and formulated feed products.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 23
- Prohibited
Various Prepared Foodstuffs
Various prepared foodstuffs are prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No further details or conditions are specified in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 21
- Conditional
Animal-derived food products
Animal-derived food products may only be shipped to Sweden if prior authorization has been obtained from the destination country's competent authority (Administration nationale de l'alimentation). Shipments without this prior permission are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Prior authorization obtained from the destination country's competent authority (Administration nationale de l'alimentation) → permitted
Documents: Prior authorization from Administration nationale de l'alimentation
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Conditional
Butter
Butter may only be sent to Sweden if prior authorization has been obtained from the destination country's Directorate General of Agriculture (Direction générale de l'agriculture). Additionally, the word 'Import' must be marked on the lid, bottom, and two opposite side faces of the container in characters no smaller than 3 millimeters, in a manner that cannot be easily erased.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the destination country's Directorate General of Agriculture (Direction générale de l'agriculture) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Directorate General of Agriculture (Direction générale de l'agriculture) of the destination country
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Conditional
Eggs (hen's eggs)
Hen's eggs are conditionally permitted for import into Sweden, provided they are marked with 'Import' or 'Imp.' and the country of origin in a clear and indelible manner. This marking requirement does not apply if prior authorization has been obtained from the General Directorate of Agriculture of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Marked with 'Import' or 'Imp.' and the country of origin in a clear and indelible manner → permitted
- Prior authorization obtained from the General Directorate of Agriculture of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Prior authorization from the General Directorate of Agriculture (where marking requirement is to be waived)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Conditional
Margarine and Similar Products
Margarine, oleaginous emulsions, and artificial oils are conditionally permitted provided they are packaged in accordance with Sweden's Food Code regulations or are packaged by the recipient at customs upon arrival.
Conditions and documents
- Packaged in accordance with the destination country's Food Code regulations → permitted
- Packaged by the recipient at customs upon arrival → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 15
- Conditional
Plant-based foods (nuts and nut-derived products)
Nuts and plant-based foods made from nuts may only be shipped to Sweden if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authority (Administration nationale de l'alimentation). All other conditions apply as stated by the destination country's regulations.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from Administration nationale de l'alimentation → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Administration nationale de l'alimentation
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 20
Plants & animals
3 prohibited · 5 conditional
- Prohibited
Animals, birds, and parts thereof
Animals (with limited exceptions), birds, and parts of animals or birds are prohibited for shipment to Sweden via EMS. Exceptions include honeybees, leeches, silkworms, insects used for pest control exchanged between approved facilities, and Drosophilidae flies used for biomedical research exchanged between approved facilities.
Details and exceptions
- Honeybees, leeches, or silkworms → permitted
- Insects that parasitize or prey on pests, used for pest control, exchanged between approved facilities → permitted
- Drosophilidae flies used for biomedical research, exchanged between approved facilities → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Prohibited
Fish embryos
Fish embryos are prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 03
- Prohibited
Live animals
The import of live animals into Sweden is prohibited. Bees, leeches, and silkworms are excepted from this prohibition.
Details and exceptions
- animal is a bee, leech, or silkworm → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Conditional
Animal Semen
Live animal semen may only be shipped to Sweden if the recipient has obtained permission from the relevant authority (Direction nationale de l'agriculture). Shipment is conditional on holding this authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Live animal semen with permission obtained from the relevant authority (Direction nationale de l'agriculture) of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Direction nationale de l'agriculture of the destination country
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Animal-derived products (non-food) and animal-contact equipment
Non-food products made from animals, and tools or equipment intended to come into contact with animals, are conditionally permitted for shipment to Sweden. Entry is allowed only when the shipper has obtained authorization from the Direction nationale de l'agriculture.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Direction nationale de l'agriculture → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Direction nationale de l'agriculture
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Live honeybees
Live honeybees are conditionally permitted, but only when shipped directly to Lantbruksuniversitetet, Forsoksavdelningen for bin, S-750 07 UPPSALA, SWEDEN. Shipments addressed to any other recipient are not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- Addressed directly to Lantbruksuniversitetet, Forsoksavdelningen for bin, S-750 07 UPPSALA, SUEDE → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Conditional
Plants
Plants shipped to Sweden may require an export inspection by a plant protection station and an import permit from the destination country. Shippers are advised to contact their nearest plant protection station or Sweden's plant protection authority in advance.
Conditions and documents
- Export inspection by plant protection station and import permit from destination country may be required under the Plant Protection Act (Act No. 151 of 1950) → conditional — shipper must confirm requirements with nearest plant protection station or Sweden's plant protection authority in advance
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 (名宛国の輸入許可証)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
- Conditional
Seeds and Related Plant Material
A wide range of plant materials including cultivated plants, bulbs, seeds for sowing, cut flowers, cut branches, fruits (excluding pineapple, coconut, durian, banana, and date palm), vegetables, timber, and bark require a phytosanitary certificate; importation is not permitted without one. Certain seed categories and forest tree seeds/seedlings require additional permits from the relevant Swedish authorities.
Conditions and documents
- Cultivated plants, bulbs, seeds for sowing, cut flowers, cut branches, fruits (excluding pineapple, coconut, durian, banana, and date palm), vegetables, timber, bark, and other plant materials accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate → permitted
- Cultivated plants, bulbs, seeds for sowing, cut flowers, cut branches, fruits (excluding pineapple, coconut, durian, banana, and date palm), vegetables, timber, bark, and other plant materials without a phytosanitary certificate → not permitted
- Seeds of root vegetables, vegetables, leguminous plants, and turf grass with a permit from the competent authority of the destination country (Direction nationale de l'agriculture) → permitted
- Seeds accompanied by an inspection certificate from the competent authority of the dispatching country that is a member of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) → permitted
- Forest tree seeds and seedlings/sprouts of alder, ash, aspen, hornbeam, birch, beech, oak, fir, linden, larch, maple, poplar, or pine with a permit from the competent authority of the destination country (Inspection nationale des forets) → permitted
Documents: Phytosanitary certificate; Permit from the competent authority of the destination country (Direction nationale de l'agriculture) — required for seeds of root vegetables, vegetables, leguminous plants, and turf grass; ISTA member authority inspection certificate — required for seeds; Permit from the competent authority of the destination country (Inspection nationale des forets) — required for forest tree seeds and seedlings/sprouts of specified tree species
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Medicine & supplements
2 prohibited · 5 conditional
- Prohibited
Illegal drugs and narcotics
Illegal drugs and narcotics are prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via EMS. This applies to all such controlled and illicit substances.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Prohibited
Narcotics
Narcotics are prohibited from shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This includes cannabis, extracts and dyes derived from cannabis, and any other substances designated by Sweden's public health and social safety authorities.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Abortifacient supplies / vaginal specula
Vaginal specula (classified under abortifacient supplies) are conditionally permitted for shipment to Sweden, but only when addressed to licensed pharmacy operators, persons authorized to sell such items, or persons who have obtained approval from Sweden's public health and social security authorities. Shipments to any other recipients are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Addressed to a pharmacy operator → permitted
- Addressed to a person authorized to sell such items → permitted
- Addressed to a person who has obtained approval from Sweden's public health and social security authorities → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Conditional
Contraceptives
Contraceptives may only be shipped to Sweden if the sender has obtained permission from the relevant authorities of the destination country. They are conditionally permitted via regular mail, parcel, and EMS.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Sweden) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Conditional
Narcotics
Narcotics are conditionally permitted for import into Sweden, but only if the recipient holds authorization as an importer from the destination country's Public Health Directorate (Direction nationale de la sante publique) and the social security authority. No other circumstances for importation are stated.
Conditions and documents
- Recipient holds authorization as an importer from the Public Health Directorate (Direction nationale de la sante publique) and the social security authority of the destination country → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Pharmaceutical products / Medicines
Medicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Sweden if the recipient is a person authorized to sell or manufacture with the medicine in Sweden, a research institution affiliated with a Swedish academy or university that requires the medicine for its work, or a national or local government research institution in Sweden that requires the medicine for its work. Personal or general consumer shipments are not permitted under these conditions.
Conditions and documents
- Recipient is a person authorized to sell the medicine or manufacture other products using the medicine in Sweden → permitted
- Recipient is a research institution affiliated with a Swedish academy or university (excluding health/sanitary institutions) that requires the medicine for its official work → permitted
- Recipient is a national or local government research institution in Sweden that requires the medicine for its official work → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Syringes and Injection Needles
Syringes and injection needles are conditionally permitted to Sweden, but only when addressed to a licensed pharmacist/pharmacy operator or a person authorized by the public health and social security authorities of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Addressee is a pharmacy operator (licensed pharmacist) → permitted
- Addressee is a person authorized by the public health and social security authorities of Sweden → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
Weapons
4 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Ammunition and Matches
Primed metallic cartridges and cases for portable firearms, non-explosive artillery fuze components, and matches are prohibited from shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Prohibited
Bullets
Bullets are prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via EMS. This restriction covers ammunition projectiles.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Prohibited
Daggers and Switchblades
Daggers and switchblades (automatic knives) are prohibited from shipment to Sweden via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. These items may not be sent through any of the applicable shipping channels.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Prohibited
Weapons and their parts
Weapons and their component parts are prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via EMS. This applies to the items themselves as well as any constituent parts.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Ammunition
Ammunition for portable firearms that is neither explosive nor incendiary may be shipped to Sweden only if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country. Explosive or incendiary ammunition is not covered by this conditional permission.
Conditions and documents
- Ammunition for portable firearms that is neither explosive nor incendiary, AND authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Sweden) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Sweden)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Firearms and their parts
Firearms and their parts may be shipped to Sweden only if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country and the items are insured.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country and the shipment is insured → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the relevant authorities of the destination country
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Alcohol
2 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
- Prohibited
Wine
Wine is prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via EMS. This restriction applies regardless of wine type or quantity.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
- Conditional
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages containing 1.8% or more alcohol by weight (including wine) and beer containing 2.8% or more alcohol by weight are conditionally permitted, but only when addressed to Sweden's alcohol monopoly (Vin- & Spritcentralen) or a person granted an import licence by that authority.
Conditions and documents
- Alcoholic beverages with ≥1.8% alcohol by weight (including wine), addressed to Sweden's alcohol monopoly (Vin- & Spritcentralen) → permitted
- Alcoholic beverages with ≥1.8% alcohol by weight (including wine), addressed to a person granted an import licence by Vin- & Spritcentralen → permitted
- Beer with ≥2.8% alcohol by weight, addressed to Sweden's alcohol monopoly (Vin- & Spritcentralen) → permitted
- Beer with ≥2.8% alcohol by weight, addressed to a person granted an import licence by Vin- & Spritcentralen → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
- Conditional
Beer
Beer is conditionally permitted for shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. It is only allowed when the packaging carries the required labeling corresponding to its alcohol content.
Conditions and documents
- Packaging displays labeling corresponding to the alcohol content → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 22
Currency & valuables
1 prohibited · 3 conditional
- Prohibited
Cash cards, credit cards, and similar plastic cards
Cash cards, credit cards, telephone cards, and similar plastic cards that could be misused by unauthorized persons are prohibited via EMS to Sweden. This prohibition applies to such cards on the basis of potential for fraudulent misuse.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Conditional
Coins and Banknotes
Coins and banknotes are permitted to Sweden only if authorisation has been obtained from the destination country's national bank. No other conditions are stated in the source.
Conditions and documents
- Authorisation obtained from the national bank of the destination country (Sweden) → permitted
Documents: Authorisation from the national bank of Sweden
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Coins and Banknotes (Currency)
Coins and banknotes exceeding 100 Swedish kronor may only be shipped if prior authorization has been obtained from the Swedish central bank (Sveriges Riksbank / Banque de Suede). Amounts of 100 SEK or less are not subject to this requirement.
Conditions and documents
- coins and banknotes exceeding 100 Swedish kronor → permitted only with prior authorization from the Swedish central bank (Banque de Suede / Sveriges Riksbank)
- coins and banknotes of 100 Swedish kronor or less → permitted
Documents: Prior authorization from the Swedish central bank (Banque de Suede / Sveriges Riksbank)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Securities (excluding bills of exchange)
Securities other than bills of exchange may only be shipped to Sweden if prior authorization has been obtained from the Swedish Bank (Banque de Suede). Bills of exchange are excluded from this restriction.
Conditions and documents
- Prior authorization obtained from the Swedish Bank (Banque de Suede) → permitted
- Item is a bill of exchange (為替手形) → excluded from this restriction
Documents: Prior authorization from the Swedish Bank (Banque de Suede)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Chemicals
3 conditional
- Conditional
Distillation apparatus (for alcohol)
Alcohol distillation apparatus and its accessories may only be shipped to Sweden when addressed to specified authorized recipients, including the Swedish state, licensed alcohol producers, pharmacies/laboratories/educational institutions under state supervision, hospitals, or persons holding permits from Swedish public health and social security authorities.
Conditions and documents
- Addressee is the Swedish state → permitted
- Addressee holds a permit for alcohol production → permitted
- Addressee is a pharmacy, laboratory, or educational institution under the supervision of the Swedish state → permitted
- Addressee is a hospital → permitted
- Addressee holds a permit from Swedish public health or social security authorities → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 84
- Conditional
Perfumes, lotions, and other items containing alcohol
Perfumes, colognes, toners, and other alcohol-containing cosmetic or toiletry items are conditionally permitted to Sweden. Shipment is allowed only when authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Sweden) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 33
- Conditional
Toxic Substances
Toxic substances are conditionally permitted for shipment to Sweden, but only when addressed to recipients authorized to sell or manufacture with such substances, research institutions affiliated with academies or higher educational institutions requiring them for official duties, or persons authorized by the public health authority of Sweden.
Conditions and documents
- Addressee is a person authorized in Sweden to sell the substance or manufacture other goods using it → permitted
- Addressee is a research institution affiliated with an academy or higher educational institution in Sweden that requires the substance for its official duties → permitted
- Addressee has obtained authorization from the public health authority of Sweden → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 28
Tobacco
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Tobacco
Tobacco is prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Other items
3 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Abortifacient devices / vaginal injection instruments
Pear-shaped tubes used for vaginal injection that are 2 centimeters or less in diameter and 10 centimeters or more in length are prohibited from shipment to Sweden via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. These items are classified as abortion-related instruments and are not permitted to be sent.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Prohibited
Funeral urns, human body parts, and organs
Funeral urns, human body parts, and organs are prohibited from being shipped to Sweden via EMS. This restriction applies to cremation urns as well as any human body parts or organs.
- Prohibited
Lottery tickets and gambling materials
Lottery tickets and gambling-related items issued by or pertaining to countries other than Sweden, or lottery and gambling items that are prohibited within Sweden, are not permitted to be shipped via Regular or EMS mail. This prohibition covers both foreign lottery/gambling materials and any domestic lottery or gambling items banned under Swedish law.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Gas masks and related protective equipment
Gas masks, other anti-gas products, oxygen ejectors, air purifiers, and similar items are conditionally permitted when the shipper has obtained authorization from the War Equipment Inspection Bureau of the Ministry of Trade. No such items may be shipped without this authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the War Equipment Inspection Bureau of the Ministry of Trade → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the War Equipment Inspection Bureau of the Ministry of Trade
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Conditional
Gold (unprocessed) and gold coins
Unprocessed gold (including gold with platinum plating and products made of gold or platinum-plated gold) and gold coins may only be shipped when dispatched through the intermediary of the Swedish Central Bank (Banque de Suede).
Conditions and documents
- Dispatched through the intermediary of the Swedish Central Bank (Banque de Suede) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Gold, Platinum, and Silver (worked/manufactured)
Worked gold, platinum, and silver articles are conditionally permitted for shipment to Sweden, provided they meet the same conditions imposed by Swedish law on equivalent domestically manufactured products of the same type.
Conditions and documents
- Worked gold, platinum, or silver articles meet the same conditions imposed by Swedish law on equivalent domestically manufactured products of the same type → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Conditional
Microorganisms (live)
Live microorganisms may only be shipped to Sweden if addressed to the Director of the National Bacteriology Laboratory (Chef du Laboratoire national de bacteriologie). Shipments to any other addressee are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Addressed to the Director of the National Bacteriology Laboratory (Chef du Laboratoire national de bacteriologie) in Sweden → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
Applies to every destination, including Sweden
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 Sweden?
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 Sweden?
- Japan Post's import rules for Sweden prohibit 22 item types, including Alcohol; Cash cards, credit cards, and similar plastic cards; Tobacco; Wine; Live animals; Abortifacient devices / vaginal injection instruments; Daggers and Switchblades; Bullets; and 14 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 Sweden only under conditions?
- 29 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Gas masks and related protective equipment; Butter; Beer; Margarine and Similar Products; Pharmaceutical products / Medicines; Perfumes, lotions, and other items containing alcohol; Coins and Banknotes (Currency); Coins and Banknotes; 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 Sweden?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Sweden; 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.