Sending a parcel to family abroad at the post office counter

Since March 1, 2024, any international mail that contains goods (EMS, international parcels, small packets, and so on) must have customs data sent electronically in advance, so a handwritten label is no longer accepted. You make the label and customs form on Japan Post's 国際郵便マイページサービス (International Mail My Page), choosing the service (EMS, airmail and so on) as you go. Print it yourself before going to the counter, or, with the smartphone version, print it on the ゆうプリタッチ terminal at some post offices (with no terminal, give the staff the number on your screen). Letters and documents only can still go with a handwritten address. Enter specific item names, for example "Stuffed Doll", not a general word like "Toy". Perfume, spray cans, mobile batteries, nail polish and alcoholic drinks over 24% alcohol can't be sent to any country. Import duties and taxes at the other end are normally paid by the recipient. Mail to the US has its own rules right now: acceptance restarted on October 15, 2026, and most goods need advance filing and prepaid duty through an approved app, while advance filing for documents and personal gifts worth US$100 or less is optional (but recommended) until January 19, 2027. US customs makes the final tax decision. Japan Post also warns of delays because air services have been reduced.