How do you import household goods to Japan in 2026?

Japan Customs treats household effects for home relocation as accompanied or unaccompanied personal effects and professional equipment of a person moving residence. At arrival, submit two copies of the Declaration of Accompanied Articles and Unaccompanied Articles, or complete the electronic path through Visit Japan Web and use the airport declaration flow. An officer returns one stamped copy. Keep it; Customs states it cannot redo that confirmation if you lose the original.

Clear unaccompanied goods within six months of your entry, presenting the stamped declaration and passport at the Customs office where the cargo arrives. Official guidance for people who have been abroad more than one year, or who plan to stay in Japan more than one year, commonly allows duty-free treatment for reasonable used household effects imported inside that six-month window.

Automobiles usually need separate duty-exemption applications and proof of prior use; resale limits can apply after import. Alcohol, tobacco beyond allowances, and commercial cargo do not ride the simple household path. Pets are Animal Quarantine Service, not Customs furniture rules: Bring pets.

Measure your Japanese flat before you ship a US sofa set: Tiny apartments and How to rent a home. Have a registered address ready for delivery coordination: Register address. Licence and bank steps remain separate: Convert a driving licence.