Once your lost item is found in Japan, how do you get it home? Complete guide to international shipping options, costs, customs, and the safest methods.
Your item has been found — congratulations. Now comes the next challenge: getting it back to you. Japan has excellent international shipping infrastructure, but navigating Japan Post, DHL, FedEx, and customs regulations from abroad is complex. This guide covers everything you need to know to receive your item safely, quickly, and at minimum cost. Lost and Found Japan regularly arranges international shipments for recovered items from airports, railway operators, hotels, police stations, and commercial facilities throughout Japan.
There are three main scenarios for getting your item shipped from Japan: (1) you have someone in Japan who can send it, (2) you arrange a direct collection from the lost-and-found location, or (3) you use a professional recovery and shipping service like Lost and Found Japan.
Important
Most lost-and-found centers in Japan — airports, police stations, rail operators — will not ship items internationally themselves. They expect items to be collected in person or by an authorized representative.
| Carrier | Speed | Tracking | Compensation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Post EMS | 4–7 business days | Yes | Compensation: Up to ¥20,000 included / Higher coverage available | Documents, small items |
| DHL Express | 2–5 business days | Full | Standard carrier compensation; additional Shipment Value Protection available for high-value items | High-value, fast |
| FedEx International Priority | 1–4 business days | Full | Standard carrier compensation; additional declared value coverage available | Electronics, urgent |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | 2–5 business days | Full | Standard carrier compensation; additional declared value coverage available | Reliable international delivery / Business shipments |
Not all items are accepted by every carrier
Some items, including lithium batteries, perfumes, aerosols and other dangerous goods, may be restricted depending on the destination country and shipping carrier. Requirements vary between EMS, DHL, FedEx and UPS — always check the carrier's dangerous-goods policy and the destination country's import rules before packing.
Some destination countries prohibit or restrict the import of certain items, including batteries, cosmetics, food, medicines, and alcohol. Always check your country's import regulations before arranging shipment.
Typical starting cost — approximate only. Actual shipping costs vary by destination, weight, carrier, fuel surcharges and EMS/carrier rate revisions.
| Item Type | Weight | EMS | DHL/FedEx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | ~500g | ¥3,150–3,900 | ¥4,500–6,000 |
| Laptop | ~2.5kg | ¥7,750–9,100 | ¥8,000–12,000 |
| Passport/Documents | ~100g | ¥1,800–2,200 | ¥4,000 |
| Camera | ~1kg | ¥4,400–5,300 | ¥6,500–8,000 |
| Bag (medium) | ~3kg | ¥8,800–10,300 | ¥12,000–16,000 |
Consider Japan Post EMS first
For many lost items, Japan Post EMS offers an excellent balance of speed, tracking, and cost. Exact rates depend on destination zone and current weight brackets — check post.japanpost.jp for current pricing. DHL/FedEx may be preferable for very high-value items or urgent delivery.
Shipping your own lost item back to yourself may qualify for duty relief in most countries — it is a personal item being returned, not a commercial purchase. However, customs officials in destination countries may still require documentation.
• Use the correct customs declaration: "Personal belongings — being returned to owner" • Declare the actual value honestly. Customs authorities may verify declared values. • Include proof of ownership if possible (purchase receipt, photos with device) • For electronics: note serial/IMEI numbers on the customs form • For EU: since July 2021, VAT applies to all imported goods regardless of value; the €150 threshold refers to customs duty exemption, not VAT. Use the correct HS code and declare items as personal returned goods where applicable. • For UK: items over £135 may be subject to VAT at point of import. VAT may apply depending on the circumstances (e.g., Returned Goods Relief may be available for personal items being returned to the owner). • For US: personal goods returned to the owner are generally duty-free, subject to CBP requirements
Wrap electronics in bubble wrap
Electronics must be wrapped in at least two layers of bubble wrap and packed with void fill. International shipping involves significant vibration.
Use a sturdy outer box
Double-box fragile items. The outer box should have at least 5cm of padding on all sides around the inner package.
Remove lithium batteries where possible
Some carriers restrict lithium battery shipments. If the device has a removable battery, ship it separately according to carrier guidelines.
Do not ship prohibited items
Japan Post and international couriers prohibit or restrict certain items, including flammable liquids, aerosols, lithium batteries (in some circumstances), and certain medications. Restrictions vary by carrier and destination country.
Insure high-value items
Always declare the full value and purchase insurance for items worth over ¥10,000. EMS covers loss/damage compensation up to ¥20,000 automatically at no extra charge. Additional fees apply for higher declared values, up to a maximum compensation amount of ¥2,000,000.
Photograph everything before packing
Take photos of the item and the packing before sealing the box. Essential for insurance claims if the item arrives damaged.
Confirm release authorization first
Before shipping, confirm that the facility is willing to release the item to a third party. Some police stations and railway operators require a signed authorization letter and proof of identity before releasing lost property.
Contact the lost-and-found center to confirm the item is still held and arrange a collection window. Do not pay for shipping until collection is confirmed.
Most lost-and-found centers require the owner or an authorized representative to collect in person. Lost and Found Japan acts as your authorized representative.
Once collected, photograph the item thoroughly — its condition, serial numbers, any damage. This documents its state before shipping.
Pack the item appropriately and complete the CN22/CN23 customs declaration. Declare as personal property being returned.
Ship via your chosen carrier and share the tracking number. Track EMS shipments using Japan Post's EMS Tracking service; DHL/FedEx tracking is available on their own websites.
LostFoundJP contacts the lost-and-found center in Japanese, confirms your item with photos, and ships it directly to your home anywhere in the world. You only pay if we successfully recover it.
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