How much dry ice can I bring into Japan?
- Official classification
- Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)
Restricted
You can bring dry ice into Japan only within the stated limits.
What you need to know
- 2.5 kilogram (5.51 lb)
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- 機内への持込み又はお預け手荷物に制限がある品目の代表例 Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
Questions about Dry ice in Japan
- How much dry ice can I bring into Japan?
- Japan allows 2.5 kilograms of dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare dry ice at Japan customs?
- Only above the allowance. Up to 2.5 kilograms of dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
- What happens if I do not declare dry ice in Japan?
- If you declare the excess yourself, a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. If it is treated as smuggling, it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; an administrative fine is imposed.
- Can I post or ship dry ice to Japan instead of carrying it?
- Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
- Can I take dry ice out of Japan?
- Japan publishes no separate rule for taking dry ice out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the Japan limit for dry ice apply per person or per family?
- Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
- Where does this rule come from?
- Japan Customs (Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance) states it in 機内への持込み又はお預け手荷物に制限がある品目の代表例. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “炭酸ガスを放出する構造の容器に入っていること。”
- How does Japan compare with other countries on dry ice?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit dry ice, 12 limit it and 8 let it through. Japan is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: Japan Customs (Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance) — 機内への持込み又はお預け手荷物に制限がある品目の代表例 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Japan Customs (Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance) — 機内への持込み又はお預け手荷物に制限がある品目の代表例 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Japan Customs (Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Japan Customs (Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Japan Customs (Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance) — 機内への持込み又はお預け手荷物に制限がある品目の代表例 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Japan Customs (Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance) — 機内への持込み又はお預け手荷物に制限がある品目の代表例 · verified 2026-09-19