Coral & Seashells → Japan

Coral & Seashells restricted; documentation or permits may apply

Details

All stony corals are CITES Appendix II listed, requiring export permits for international trade — coral souvenirs purchased in tourist shops likely lack these permits. Giant clams (Tridacna species) are also CITES Appendix II. Sea turtle shell products (hawksbill tortoiseshell) are CITES Appendix I

Documentation required

• Check destination requirements

Leaving with this item

Corals are CITES-listed — taking coral out of Japan requires permits, while ordinary non-protected seashells move freely in small quantities.

Practical advice

Japan restricts import of Coral & Seashells. Cultural-property protection is bilateral: both origin export rules and destination import rules apply. Carry provenance documentation demonstrating lawful acquisition and (where applicable) origin-country export licence. Museum-loan and dealer-import categories operate under separate frameworks with pre-approved dealer registration.

Customs authority

Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance) · https://www.customs.mof.go.jp