Bringing food into Japan

[thesuker]

Hi, I'm thinking of taking some serrano ham and a bottle of wine to give to a Japanese friend I have in Yokohama. I've read and understood the limitations of alcohol in the Japanese customs office webpage, but it says nothing specific about ham. Would I have any problems at customs by taking with me a vacuum sealed packet of serrano ham? (About 250gr) The value of it is very low, less than 1000円 (no problems with the monetary value limitation)

 

[Mike Cash]

Some quick googling reveals you may have problems bringing meat into Japan. If you do have a problem, it won't be a matter of paying a tariff but of having the meat confiscated (and destroyed).

Since the value is low, you have little to lose whether it is confiscated or assessed a tariff. And I don't believe you would face any penalty beyond the loss of the meat, assuming you're open about having it, of course. If you fail to declare it and then get caught with it then you will have falsified your customs form and opened yourself up to all sorts of hassle.

So your choices are:

1. Bring it. Declare it. Risk being short a gift.
2. Bring it. Hide it. Risk penalties.
3. Think of a different gift.

I would go with #3

 

[SomeCallMeChris]

Would I have any problems at customs by taking with me a vacuum sealed packet of serrano ham?

I couldn't help but to remember the very first chapter dialogue of minna no nihongo... 'ハム？ハムはだめです。' (ham isn't allowed!) ... anyway, after a quick google search it seems like in reality it is allowed under certain conditions:
Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco

Whether your ham meets those conditions I couldn't say. I saw another site that says you flat out cannot bring in European ham or sausage, so if it's a true Serrano Ham (from Spain) that's a much bigger problem. If it's just a Serrano style ham maybe you can make it work.

(actually noticing you listed the weight in grams, presumably you're -in- Europe so... well, that's not good for your plan.)

 

[thomas]

^ Basically, what Mike said. More info here

=> 動物検疫所/Bringing Animal Product

For European travelers

To import fresh meat (including poultry), sausages, hams, bacon or any other meat products from Europe to Japan, an Animal Health Certificate issued by the animal health authority of the exporting country is required. Please be aware that there is no such product with pre-attached certificate at tax-free shops in Europe. Please contact Government Veterinary Office of each country to ask for the certificate.

Furthermore, because of recent Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) outbreaks in several countries, you will not be permitted to bring beef meat, bovine organ, and any other products of bovine origin such as sausages, hams etc. from EU member countries, Switzerland ,Liechtenstein, Canada and U.S.A. into Japan. This also applies to all those products purchased at tax-free shops in Europe or at the airport.

Family and friends of ours usually bring (packed and sealed) sausage from Europe, none of which has ever been confiscated. The same seems to apply to sausage sent by mail: despite being inspected by customs it's always arrived.

 

[thesuker]

Thank you all for your tips. I'll send the Japanese embassy here in Spain an e-mail asking for their views on the matter, and depending on the answer I get, I'll make my decision. But if I have any doubts about it, I won't take it with me. I'd rather not risk having problems with customs over a packet of ham.

 

[Glenski]

Like thomas wrote, this official site may be more helpful than a consulate/embassy.
動物検疫所/Bringing Animal Product

Oops, hit send before I added this. It may be more helpful to contact Customs than an embassy.

 

[thesuker]

Got my answer from the embassy: product not allowed.