We started importing from Japan for car parts, but plenty of the best stuff in Japan has nothing to do with cars. Limited-edition stationery, fresh matcha, Gunpla kits only sold in Japan, kitchen knives, figures, homewares: if it's sold in Japan, there's a good chance we can buy it and send it to you in Australia or New Zealand.
Easy to send
- Stationery: pens, notebooks, planners, washi tape, Japan-only colours and limited releases.
- Gunpla, plastic models and figures: including Japan-exclusive and store-limited kits.
- Diecast and collectables: we've already sent plenty of these, see our importing reviews.
- Hand tools: Japanese screwdrivers, ratchets and specialty tools.
- Clothing, bags and merch.
- Ceramics and homewares: packed carefully.
There are no special import rules for these. The main thing is packing: Australia advises against straw packing, and New Zealand bans straw and rattan items, including packaging, in the mail.
Matcha and Japanese tea
Pure green tea, including matcha, is considered minimal biosecurity risk in Australia when it's commercially prepared and packaged, and it needs no import permit. It still needs to be declared, and we list it correctly on the customs form. New Zealand treats tea as a highly processed plant product, and food in the mail should be declared.
Watch out for matcha latte and milk tea mixes. Many contain milk powder, and dairy products aren't allowed into Australia. Herbal teas may also need a permit. We'll check the ingredients before we buy.
Snacks and food
Commercially packaged snacks like lollies and biscuits are usually fine. Australia doesn't allow meat, eggs, egg products, dairy, rice, seeds or nuts, and that catches some instant noodles and snacks with meat or egg flavourings. New Zealand bans pork products. If you want food, send us the exact product and we'll check it first.
Japanese kitchen knives
Japanese kitchen knives are hugely popular, and Japan Post accepts bladed items when they're sheathed, packed in a strong box and correctly labelled. Australia and New Zealand restrict certain knife types, such as flick knives and automatic or butterfly knives, and some need permission to import. State laws also apply once a knife is in Australia. Standard kitchen knives are what we send.
Wooden and bamboo items
Wooden and bamboo goods must be free of bark, insects and soil, and they must be declared. Dry, finished items like chopsticks and wooden boxes are normally fine. Fresh bamboo, untreated timber and straw products are best avoided.
What we can't send
Japan Post won't accept these internationally:
- Perfume, nail polish, sunscreen, hair tonic and other aerosols or flammable cosmetics
- Batteries on their own, power banks and lighters
- Paint, spray cans and fuel
Medicines are also tightly controlled. Australia's personal import scheme limits quantities, and prescription medicines need an Australian prescription, so we don't send them.
How it works
- Send us a link or photo of what you want, or tell us what you're after.
- We check it's allowed into Australia or New Zealand and quote the item, shipping and our fee.
- You approve and pay, we buy it, check it, pack it and send it with tracking.
Want the full detail on shipping, GST and customs? Read how to import from Japan, or go straight to the import-from-Japan service.
FAQ
Can you buy from Japan-only online stores?
Yes, including stores that need a Japanese address or payment method.
Can you combine items into one parcel?
Yes. Combining several items usually saves on shipping.
Is there a minimum order?
No, but shipping and our fee make very cheap single items less worthwhile, so bundling is better.