What you can't ship from Japan to Vietnam
40 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 26 item types that cannot be sent to Vietnam and 14 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
- 26
- Conditional
- 14
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Vietnam. 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
4 prohibited · 6 conditional
- Prohibited
Canned goods
Canned goods are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 16
- Prohibited
Eggs (chicken, duck, fish, and crab)
Eggs of chicken, duck, fish, and crab are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Prohibited
Honey and similar sweeteners (vinegar, sugarcane molasses, sugar syrup, honey)
Vinegar, sugarcane molasses, sugar syrup, and honey are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. These items may not be included in any of the applicable shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 17
- Prohibited
Salt-preserved items (salted fish, small shrimp, and water insects)
Salted fish, small shrimp, and water insects are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 03
- Conditional
Concentrated fat
Concentrated fat may be shipped to Viet Nam via regular, parcel, or EMS services, but the quantity must not exceed 1,000 grams per shipment.
Conditions and documents
- quantity does not exceed 1,000 grams → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 15
- Conditional
Dried fish, dried squid
Dried fish and dried squid are permitted to Vietnam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipments, but each item must not exceed 1,000 grams per shipment. Quantities above this limit are not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- dried fish quantity does not exceed 1,000 grams → permitted
- dried squid quantity does not exceed 1,000 grams → permitted
- dried fish quantity exceeds 1,000 grams → prohibited
- dried squid quantity exceeds 1,000 grams → prohibited
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 03
- Conditional
Dried meat, salted meat
Dried meat and salted meat may each be shipped to Viet Nam, but neither may exceed 1,000 grams per shipment. Both types are subject to this quantity limit across Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipping.
Conditions and documents
- dried meat quantity → permitted up to 1,000 grams
- salted meat quantity → permitted up to 1,000 grams
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Conditional
Dried sweet potato / dried potato
Dried potato/sweet potato products may be shipped to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services, but the quantity must not exceed 1,000 grams per shipment.
Conditions and documents
- weight does not exceed 1,000 grams → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 07
- Conditional
Peanuts
Peanuts are conditionally permitted for shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. The quantity must not exceed 1,000 grams per shipment.
Conditions and documents
- quantity does not exceed 1,000 grams → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 12
- Conditional
Tea
Tea may be shipped to Viet Nam, but quantity limits apply: regular tea is limited to 500 grams and unprocessed/rubbed tea (momi-cha) is limited to 1,000 grams per shipment.
Conditions and documents
- tea (regular) → permitted up to 500 grams
- momi-cha (unprocessed/rubbed tea) → permitted up to 1,000 grams
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 09
Plants & animals
7 prohibited · 2 conditional
- Prohibited
Betel leaves, areca nut, cinnamon bark, traditional medicines of animal/plant origin, and seeds containing anise or castor oil
The following items are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services: betel leaves, betel tree bark, fresh or dried areca nuts, all types of cinnamon bark, traditional medicines derived from animals or plants, and seeds containing anise or castor oil. For other plant-related items not listed here, refer to the conditionally permitted category for 'plants.'
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 12
- Prohibited
Bones and similar repulsive/malodorous articles
Bones, human and animal tissue, and any articles emitting a foul odor that causes disgust or fear are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam. Items that are malodorous and harmful to public health are also prohibited.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Prohibited
Imo-no-ki (taro/yam plant), tubers, sesame, peanuts, tomatoes, green peppers, salted apricots, oranges, lemons
The following specific plants and plant products are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via all mail types: imo-no-ki (taro/yam plant), tubers, sesame, peanuts, tomatoes, green peppers, salted apricots, oranges, and lemons. For other plant items not listed here, refer to the conditional entry for 'plants'.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 07
- Prohibited
Live animals
Live animals are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. No exceptions are indicated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Prohibited
Plants and Plant-Based Materials (specific categories)
The following plant and plant-derived materials are prohibited for shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services: straw, hay, dyeing tubers, papermaking materials, resinous wood, all types of brooms, rattan leaves, bamboo, vines, rattan, latex, raw lacquer, fir resin, pine resin, beeswax, plant leaves, bark, dyeing grains, tree cotton, medicinal products of plant and animal origin, plant fibers, plant-fiber hammocks, cotton, cotton covers, firewood, and charcoal. Items not listed here should be referred to the conditional entry for 'Plants.'
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 14
- Prohibited
Seeds (specific types: watermelon seeds and hazelnut)
Watermelon seeds and hazelnuts are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. All other seeds and plants should be referred to the conditional entry for 'Plants'.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 12
- Prohibited
Vegetables
Onions, dried garlic, and raw or dried vegetables (including bamboo shoots and all types of mushrooms) are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. For other plant-related items, refer to the conditional entry for 'Plants'.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 07
- Conditional
Green beans (kidney beans / common beans)
All varieties of green beans (common beans) may be shipped to Viet Nam, but the quantity must not exceed 1,000 grams per shipment.
Conditions and documents
- All varieties of green beans → Must not exceed 1,000 grams
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 07
- Conditional
Plants and plant products
Plants and plant products that may carry diseases caused by parasites are permitted only with authorization from the competent authority (Comité d'État de l'agriculture). An export inspection by a plant protection station and, where required, an import permit from the destination country may also be necessary.
Conditions and documents
- Plants and plant products that may carry diseases caused by parasites → Permitted only with authorization from the competent authority (Comité d'État de l'agriculture)
- Rice shipped for non-commercial personal use → May be sent without prior notification to regional agricultural administration offices
- Rice shipped for purposes other than non-commercial personal use → Prior notification to regional agricultural administration offices (地方農政局等) required before shipping
Documents: Authorization from the competent authority (Comité d'État de l'agriculture); Export inspection certificate issued by a plant protection station (植物防疫所); Import permit from the destination country's plant protection authority (where required)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
Chemicals
2 prohibited
- Prohibited
Microorganisms and Viruses
Microorganisms, viruses, pathogens, substances harmful to public health, and substances or articles that contain or may contain pathogenic bacteria are prohibited from all mail types to Viet Nam. An exception applies to microorganisms exchanged between medical laboratories for scientific purposes.
Details and exceptions
- Microorganisms exchanged between medical laboratories for scientific purposes → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Prohibited
Narcotics and Toxic Substances
Narcotics and toxic substances are prohibited for shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This includes opium, morphine, cocaine, other narcotics, nervous system stimulants, toxic anesthetics, poisons, and potent chemical substances dangerous to human or animal life.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
Medicine & supplements
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Dangerous Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals, drugs, and medicinal preparations that may pose a danger to human life or animals are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies to any such medicinal product regardless of form or intended use.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Narcotic drugs and microorganisms
Opium, morphine, cocaine, other narcotic drugs, and microorganisms are permitted only when exchanged between medical or scientific laboratories for medical or scientific purposes and when authorized by the competent authority of the destination country (Ministère de la santé). No other conditions for shipment are stated.
Conditions and documents
- Exchanged between medical laboratories or scientific laboratories for medical or scientific purposes, and authorized by the competent authority of Viet Nam (Ministère de la santé) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the competent authority of Viet Nam (Ministère de la santé)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
Weapons
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives, and Dangerous Substances
All types of weapons, ammunition, military supplies, and their accessories are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition also covers explosive, flammable, and otherwise dangerous substances, as well as radioactive materials.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Hunting Rifle
Hunting rifles and cartridges may only be shipped to Viet Nam if the recipient has obtained permission from the relevant authority (Ministère de la sécurité). Shipment is conditional on holding that official authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the relevant authority of the destination country (Ministère de la sécurité) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Ministère de la sécurité (Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Currency & valuables
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Valuables
Valuables are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via regular and parcel services. This includes coins, banknotes, currency, bearer securities, traveler's checks, platinum, gold, silver (worked or unworked), pearls, precious stones, and other valuables.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
Tobacco
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Tobacco (cigarettes and cigars)
Cigarettes and cigars are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This restriction covers both cigarettes and cigars as named tobacco forms.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Other items
9 prohibited · 4 conditional
- Prohibited
Articles contaminated with infectious disease
All articles that are contaminated with an infectious disease, affected by an epidemic, or imported from a country with carriers of an infectious disease are prohibited from being shipped to Viet Nam. This prohibition applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipping types.
- Prohibited
Articles used as information technology products
Articles used as information technology products are prohibited from being shipped to Viet Nam via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. No exceptions or conditions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 84
- Prohibited
Cultural articles banned or suspended from domestic distribution
Cultural articles whose domestic distribution in Vietnam is prohibited, or for which distribution has been suspended, invalidated, confiscated, or rejected by official decision, are prohibited from shipment. This applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Equipment and tools for counterfeiting banknotes and coins
Devices, dies, matrices, and all other instruments used for the clandestine manufacture of banknotes or coins of any kind, or for producing reproductions of banknotes, are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam. This prohibition applies across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 84
- Prohibited
Films, celluloid, and documents inciting rebellion
Printed matter, publications, images, films, and related materials that are contrary to public order and morals, or that may affect public security or cause political, cultural, or economic harm to Viet Nam are prohibited. This covers documents, books, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines, posters, drawings, cards, photographs, paintings, manuscripts, films, photographic plates, projection slides, celluloid, and all types of photographic materials.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Non-compliant Radio / Wireless Equipment
Radio and wireless equipment that does not conform to the radio frequency master plan and related technical regulations based on laws governing radio frequencies is prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam. This applies across all shipping types including regular mail, parcel, and EMS.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Prohibited
Postage Stamps Prohibited by Postal Law
Postage stamps whose trade, exchange, display, or distribution is prohibited under postal law are not permitted to be shipped to Viet Nam via Regular mail, Parcel, or EMS. This prohibition applies specifically to stamps that fall under such legal restrictions.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 97
- Prohibited
Secret Ink, Coded Communications, and Shorthand Documents
Items using secret ink, coded or symbolic communications, or shorthand documents are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This covers any materials containing concealed or encrypted writing, ciphers, symbols, or shorthand scripts.
- Prohibited
Used goods
Used personal and household items — including used clothing (excluding gifts), blankets, mosquito nets, shoes, sandals, electrical products, refrigerators, home appliances, medical devices, furniture, interior decorations, and other daily-use goods — are prohibited from being shipped to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
- Conditional
All types of goods sent for commercial purposes
All goods with commercial value sent for commercial purposes to Viet Nam are conditionally permitted, subject to authorization from the relevant authority (Ministere du commerce exterieur). Shipments lacking this authorization are not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the relevant authority (Ministere du commerce exterieur) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Ministere du commerce exterieur
- Conditional
Cultural articles
Cultural articles — including paintings, books, newspapers, film, photographs, records, theatrical stage items, literary works, art works, fine art, sculptures, and all types of children's toys — are conditionally permitted to Viet Nam. Shipment requires authorization from the competent authority of the destination country (Ministère de la culture).
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the competent authority of the destination country (Ministère de la culture) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Ministère de la culture (Vietnamese Ministry of Culture)
- Conditional
Personal effects / personal use items
Personal items sent for non-commercial purposes are subject to customs duties when the contents of a single mailpiece exceed USD 50 in value. An import permit issued by the Ministry of Health may also be required if demanded by the relevant Vietnamese authorities.
Conditions and documents
- contents value per mailpiece exceeds USD 50 (non-commercial purpose) → subject to customs duties
- required by the Ministry of Health (relevant authority) → import permit required
Documents: Import permit (if required by Vietnam Ministry of Health)
- Conditional
Postage Stamps
Postage stamps may only be sent to Vietnam when addressed to an authorized import/export agency for books and newspapers or another competent authorized institution. Shipments to other recipients are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Addressed to an authorized import/export agency for books and newspapers or another competent authorized institution → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
Applies to every destination, including Vietnam
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 Vietnam?
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 Vietnam?
- Japan Post's import rules for Vietnam prohibit 26 item types, including Imo-no-ki (taro/yam plant), tubers, sesame, peanuts, tomatoes, green peppers, salted apricots, oranges, lemons; Canned goods; Betel leaves, areca nut, cinnamon bark, traditional medicines of animal/plant origin, and seeds containing anise or castor oil; Tobacco (cigarettes and cigars); Honey and similar sweeteners (vinegar, sugarcane molasses, sugar syrup, honey); Salt-preserved items (salted fish, small shrimp, and water insects); Dangerous Pharmaceuticals; Valuables; and 18 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 Vietnam only under conditions?
- 14 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Green beans (kidney beans / common beans); Dried sweet potato / dried potato; Dried meat, salted meat; Tea; Concentrated fat; Dried fish, dried squid; Peanuts; All types of goods sent for commercial purposes; and 6 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 Vietnam?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Vietnam; 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.