Import Regulations under Alien Species Act

Individuals, including eggs, and their organs designated as "Designated Invasive Alien Species" in the Designated Invasive Alien Species list, are strictly prohibited from being imported, bred, cultivated, stored, transported, sold, transferred, or released into the wild without prior authorization. This prohibition is justified by the potential for these species to induce ecological destruction and disrupt agricultural production.

Moreover, any import of living organisms into Japan designated as "Unevaluated Alien Species" in the designated alien species list requires prior notification to the Minister of the Environment. Six months are required for the procedure from the submission of the notification to determination of the permissibility of import. Those organisms deemed to pose a risk of harm to ecosystems or other areas are classified as Designated Invasive Alien Species, and their import into Japan without explicit permission is strictly proscribed.

In order to import living organisms that are not designated as Designated Invasive Alien Species or living organisms which can be easily identified that they do not fall under designated invasive alien species nor unevaluated alien species, as specified by the Enforcement Regulations of the Alien Species Act, a "Certificate of Species" written in English or Japanese and issued by the relevant government agency of the exporting country are required.

This Certificate must indicate the scientific names and number of the organisms (ex. Euphorbia biogenesis: 3 pieces). Organisms requiring the Certificate can be imported only at 5 designated airports (Narita, Chubu Centrair, Kansai, Fukuoka, Kagoshima). Their import via postal services is prohibited. A Certificate of Species must be submitted to the Customs authorities upon clearance.
You are recommended to monitor updates of the Designated Invasive Alien Species list, which is revised irregularly.