Seamus Hammond
It is generally advised to avoid bringing perfume to Japan, as wearing strong scents in public is considered a social faux pas and may affect the dining experience of those around you. However, if you are unable to part with your fragrance, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, there are restrictions on the quantity of perfume you can bring into the country, with a limit of 56ml or 2oz per person. Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum are considered cosmetics and are limited to 24 pieces per person. It is also recommended to be cautious when applying perfume in Japan, opting for more discreet application methods to avoid bothering others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum quantity allowed | 56 ml or 2 oz per person |
| Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum categorisation | Considered as "Cosmetics" |
| Maximum quantity of cosmetics allowed | 24 pieces or 24 applications-worth |
| Customs Declaration | Required for accompanied and unaccompanied baggage |
| Duty-free limit | 200,000 yen |
| Wearing strong scents in public | Considered a social faux pas |
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What You'll Learn
Japan's customs limit for perfume
When entering Japan, you must declare your belongings at customs. Personal effects and unaccompanied baggage for personal use are free of duty and/or tax within a specified allowance. Toiletries, clothes, and other personal effects are allowed, as well as portable professional equipment to be used during your stay. These items must be considered quantitatively appropriate and not for sale.
There are quantity restrictions on the import of medicine and cosmetics. For example, the amount of pharmaceutical products and quasi-drugs allowed is limited to a two-month supply. Cosmetics are restricted to 24 applications. Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum are considered cosmetics and are limited to 24 pieces.
Perfume is subject to quantity restrictions. The limit is 2oz or 56ml per person. This restriction does not apply to duty-free limits, which are based on the total overseas market value of the articles. Any item with a total overseas market value of up to 10,000 yen is always free of duties and taxes and is not counted in the total allowance of 200,000 yen.
It is important to note that Japan has strict regulations regarding the import of certain items, such as hunting guns, air guns, and swords, which require a permit. Additionally, tax-free goods must be exported and cannot be transferred or consumed in Japan. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties, including imprisonment or fines.
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Wearing perfume in public in Japan
Wearing strong perfumes in public is considered a major social faux pas in Japan. The Japanese avoid perfume in most situations where they will encounter other people. This is because scent makes up around 80% of taste, and strong fragrances can interfere with the dining experience, especially in sushi restaurants. Some sushi restaurants have banned strong perfumes in the dining room to preserve the authenticity of the dining experience.
If you are travelling to Japan and want to wear perfume, there are several strategies to minimise the impact of your perfume on those around you. Firstly, familiarise yourself with the scent strength hierarchy. You should avoid parfum, which has the most potent scent concentration. Eau de parfum is the next strongest, followed by eau de toilette, eau de cologne, and eau fraiche at the lightest end. You could also try a different application method, such as applying the perfume to a cotton swab and gently pressing it under your nose. Ask your travel companion if they can smell the perfume before you leave your accommodation. If you've put on too much, you can use rubbing alcohol, unscented baby wipes, or unscented lotion to dampen the smell.
When entering Japan, you will need to declare any perfume or cosmetics you are bringing with you on your "Customs Declaration" form. Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum are considered "cosmetics" and are limited to 24 pieces per person. The customs limit of 56ml (or 2oz) does not apply to cosmetics, but a duty-free limit of 200,000 yen would apply.
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Bringing expensive perfume to Japan
Wearing strong perfumes in public is considered a major social faux pas in Japan, where it is known as "sumehara" or "smell harassment". This is because scent makes up around 80% of taste, and strong perfumes can therefore change the flavour of food and damage the dining experience. Some sushi restaurants have even banned strong perfumes in the dining room.
However, if you cannot forgo your scent while in Japan, there are a few things you should know about bringing expensive perfume into the country. Firstly, it is important to note that Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum are considered "cosmetics" rather than "perfumes" and you can carry up to 24 pieces into Japan as long as they comply with MHLW regulations. The duty-free limit for cosmetics is 200,000 yen.
There are conflicting sources on the quantity restrictions for perfume. Some sources state that you can only bring 2 oz of perfume into Japan, while others state that the limit is 56 ml per person. One source mentions that there is a limit of 24 applications worth of cosmetics, but it is unclear if this applies to perfume. It is important to note that these restrictions may not be strictly enforced, and some travellers have brought multiple bottles of perfume into Japan without having their luggage searched. However, if you are caught bringing in more than the allowed amount, you may have to forfeit your perfume and spend a significant amount of time in customs.
To avoid any issues, it is recommended to only bring a small amount of perfume that is for personal use and to declare it on the "Customs Declaration" form upon arrival in Japan.
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Applying perfume while in Japan
Wearing strong perfumes in public is considered a major social faux pas in Japan, known as "sumehara" or "smell harassment". This is because scent makes up around 80% of taste, and strong fragrances can affect the dining experience. Some sushi restaurants have even banned strong perfumes in the dining room.
If you feel you cannot forgo your scent while in Japan, there are a few things you can do to minimise the impact of your perfume on those around you. Firstly, opt for a weaker fragrance. Eau de toilette, eau de cologne, and eau fraiche are all less concentrated than eau de parfum or parfum. You should also be discreet with your application. Rather than spraying or dabbing your perfume directly onto your skin, apply it to the tip of a cotton swab and gently press it under your nose. Ask any travel companions if they can detect your perfume before you leave your accommodation. If you have applied too much, you can use rubbing alcohol, unscented baby wipes, or unscented lotion to reduce the smell.
It is also worth noting that there are quantity restrictions on the import of cosmetics into Japan. While some sources suggest that only pure perfume is restricted to 2oz, others state that eau de parfum and eau de toilette are also included in this category. There is also a limit of 24 applications worth of cosmetics per person, but this restriction is ambiguous and hard to quantify.
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Japanese customs inspections
When travelling to Japan, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on what you can bring into the country. Japanese customs inspections are carried out to prevent the inflow of goods that could negatively affect society, maintain trading order, and ensure the appropriate collection of customs duties.
Upon arrival in Japan, you will need to declare any goods you are bringing into the country by filling out a "Customs Declaration" form for both your accompanied and unaccompanied baggage. These forms are typically available on the plane or ship, at the airport Customs Inspection Area, or at the Customs office. You may also submit your form via e-filing using a web page or QR code.
It is important to note that restrictions are placed on duty-free allowances, and certain items may be prohibited or have quantity limitations. For example, there are restrictions on the import of meat, plants, and plant products to prevent the incursion of infectious animal diseases and harmful plant pests. If you illegally import these items, you may face fines or imprisonment.
In terms of bringing perfume into Japan, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum are considered "cosmetics" rather than "perfumes." As such, you can carry up to 24 pieces into Japan, as long as they comply with MHLW regulations. The customs limit of 56ml per person does not apply to cosmetics, but a duty-free limit of 200,000 yen would apply.
Other items that are free of duties and/or taxes within specified allowances include personal effects, unaccompanied baggage, clothes, toiletries, and portable professional equipment for personal use during your stay in Japan. These items must be considered reasonable in quantity and not intended for sale.
It is always recommended to refer to the official Japanese Customs website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding customs inspections and restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to bring or wear strong perfumes in Japan as it is considered a major social faux pas. However, if you can't part with your scent, bring Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum, which are considered "cosmetics" and carry up to 24 pieces into Japan as far as MHLW compliance is considered.
There is a duty-free limit of 56ml or 2oz of perfume per person that can be brought into Japan. Customs officers may not be familiar with the legal provisions and distinctions between different concentrations, so it is best to avoid bringing a large amount to be safe.
In Japanese culture, the scents of dishes served play a significant role in the dining experience. Perfume may impact the delicate scent of sushi and other foods, changing the flavor and damaging the experience. Some sushi restaurants have banned strong perfumes in the dining room to preserve the authenticity of the dining experience.
