Shipping food to Japan? *UD #9*

[Heavenly Jumper]

I am in the process of deciding which of our household goods will stay and which of them will go to Japan. If they stay, it will be in storage. My large furniture and all the horse stuff is staying.

I was thinking though, I have a lot of pantry supplies that I would like to pack and take with me. I just bought a new jar of peanut butter and I won't be able to use that before I leave...ugh!

Anyone know if it is a problem to pack up non-perishable stuff and ship it to Japan?

[Heavenly Jumper]

Hmmm... the only info I can find is for people traveling to visit and wanting to bring food on the plane or as a gift. I would think a pack of crackers or jar of jam would be different than boxes of canned goods and pantry supplies.

[CowGirlUp1833]

I think it would cost too much to ship things like that... perhaps you could donate it to a needy family in the area?

[Heavenly Jumper]

I think it would cost too much to ship things like that... perhaps you could donate it to a needy family in the area?

The Navy pays to move whatever we need as long as it is under a certain weight #. The things that will spoil like frozen and stuff are going to our local soup kitchen.

If I can't bring the non-perishables that will go too.

[CowGirlUp1833]

The Navy pays to move whatever we need as long as it is under a certain weight #. The things that will spoil like frozen and stuff are going to our local soup kitchen.

If I can't bring the non-perishables that will go too.

Gotcha...well, thats good then

I would think that it should be okay then... as long as they are sealed tight so mices can't smell it and get in- and probably not glass containers.... unless they are well bubble wrapped!

[sorrell]

Fresh Products
You should avoid bringing fresh fruit, vegetable, or meat products to Japan. In general, if you do intend to bring these items into Japan, you will need to get the appropriate sanitary documentation from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Please note that the following fresh fruits are prohibited from importation into Japan: Apple, Pear, Quince, Nectarine, Peach, Plum, Apricot, Cherry.

Canned Products
Canned meat, fruit, or vegetable products are allowed.

Dried Produce
Dried fruit or vegetable products are allowed, as long as they are commercially dried (not home dried) and remain in their original, unopened packaging.

Dried Meat
Dried meat may be brought to Japan. It must be commercially prepared, and in its original, unopened packaging. In addition, a special label is required on the packaging of dried meat products to be brought into Japan. The label should read:

"The meat contained herein is for personal use only, and not for sale. It is derived from animals that received ante mortem and postmortem inspection and were found sound and healthy, and has been inspected and passed as provided by law and the regulations of APHIS/USDA."

For more information on the labeling of meat products, please check the US Department of Agriculture web site. Please note that shipping dried meat products (as opposed to carrying them in personal luggage) is strictly prohibited.

Other Processed Foods
Items such as cookies, crackers, candies, cereals, dried noodles, etc., may be brought into Japan. Most types of nuts (with the exception of walnuts, which are prohibited) may be brought into Japan, particularly if they are salted, dried, or roasted.

[Sandra-A1]

First check to see how your belongings are being shipped...by air or by ship. While the Navy can take weeks getting your stuff to you.... one method will take a lot longer than the other.
Also check to see how much your "entitlement"'/"Allowance" is.
If it was me I would not want any canned goods taking up my entitled weight, or space, especially when you can go to the Commissary and restock your pantry once you get housing and unpack.

[kb1gra]

Donate all of it. You get an allotment and since you're moving halfway around the world, yours may not be as large as someone conducting a domestic move. It can take upwards of a month to get to you in which case you'd need to buy all new food anyway.

The only things I'd ship are items that are your favorites that you're unsure you'll be able to get in japan. Pick one thing you can't live without. Otherwise, things like peanut butter...you can always get more. It's not worth shipping it to have it show up 5 weeks from now when you've already totally refilled your pantry.

[Chester]

Heather, anything that is opened is unlikely to make it through quarantine.

If you are worried you won't be able to buy these same items over there buy new ones and pack them. Don't forget you may need to list every item on a document.

[Heavenly Jumper]

Just found out, there are no restrictions.

The only thing we are not allowed to bring is our guns.