9008 For Overseas Tourists (Washington Convention)

 • Before buying fur, ivory products, handbag, shoes ,etc as souvenirs

  [ Attention! Souvenirs from Abroad ]
  Shopping is fun when you travel abroad. But, please think for a while. There are so many things that you can not bring into Japan.
  Some live animals and plants that you buy as a pet or for appreciation may in fact be subject to the Washington Convention.

  [ What is the Washington Convention? ]
  The Washington Convention is an agreement intended to protect endangered species of wild fauna and flora by regulating international trade in the wildlife. （182countries and regions and ＥＵ are contracting parties to the Convention, as of April 2018）

  [ To Protect Wild Animals and Plants ]
  It is said that there are 5 million to 10 million species of animals and plants on earth. However, there are a great many species on the verge of extinction.
  The very action of buying these animals and plants, processed products or pets as souvenirs is threatening their existence.

  [ The Species Banned from Being Brought into Japan （Typical Examples）]
  Monkey (all kinds), bear (all kinds), cat (all kinds), eagle(all kinds), hawk (all kinds), parrot(all kinds), poll parrot, owl (all kinds), tortoise (all kinds), sea turtle (all kinds), alligator (all kinds), chameleon(all kinds), iguana (all kind), orchid (all kinds), cactus (all kinds), musk deer(all kinds), crane(all kinds), flamingo(all kinds), pangolin(all kinds), aloe(all kinds), peafowl, snake(python; all kinds), Java sparrow, hill myna, Brazilian rosewood, butterfly, arowana, and coral

  [ Bringing Animals into Japan ]
  In order to bring the species (including processed products or products using these species) covered by the Washington Convention into Japan, the appropriate documents (an expert permit of the exporting country, import approval of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) issued by authorities designated by the Convention are required.

  [ Souvenirs Requiring Particular Attention ]
  Below is the list of typical animals and plants that could not be brought into Japan because no export or import permit was presented.
(Live animals or plants)

1. Orchid
2. Cactus
3. Turtle
4. Monkey
5. Lizard

Others (iguana, coral, etc.)

(Products)

1. Chinese herbal medicine (included musk, fel ursi, Saussureae radix, and tiger bone)
2. Leather made of reptile (alligator, snake, and lizard)
3. Chinese fiddle (musical instrument using python skin as a material)
4. Food(alligator, caviar)
5. Specimen(alligator , butterfly)

  Others (product made of coral and squilla shell , etc.)

  [ For further information ]
  Please contact Office of Trade Licensing for Wild Animals and Plants, the Trade Licensing Division, Trade Control Department, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (TEL03-3501-1511).