Consumer Drone → Japan

Owner registration + DIPS-REG required for drones ≥ 100 g

Details

Japan's Civil Aeronautics Act requires registration of any unmanned aerial vehicle weighing 100 g or more, including those brought in by visiting travelers. Registration is processed via the Drone Information Platform System (DIPS-REG) and must show a Remote ID transmitter. Flights are restricted near airports, populated areas, and stadiums; densely populated area (DID) flights require permission. Bringing the drone into the country is permitted; flying it without registration and Remote ID is not.

Documentation required

• DIPS-REG owner registration
• Remote ID device installed and active
• Pilot competency / permission for restricted airspace

Legal reference

Civil Aeronautics Act (Act No. 231 of 1952), 2022 Amendment

At the airport

1. Drones above 100g (from June 2022) must be registered with MLIT's Drone Registration System (DRS) before flying in Japan. Foreign owners must complete overseas registration.
2. Declare the drone at NRT or KIX customs and present the DRS registration number and proof of purchase. No import duty typically applies for personal-use drones within exemption limits.
3. Display the registration mark on the drone before any flight. Flying an unregistered drone in Japan is an offence under the Civil Aeronautics Act (Act No. 231 of 1952).

Leaving with this item

Consumer drones may generally be exported from Japan for personal use; higher-specification drones face dual-use controls and many destinations restrict drone import.

Practical advice

Register before you arrive — DIPS-REG accepts foreign passport holders. Plan to fly only in legal areas, away from airports and crowds.

Customs authority

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