iHerb Japan: How to Order, Ship & Avoid Customs Issues in 2025

If you live in Japan and want to order from iHerb, this article is for you. Japanese customs has strict rules, so it’s helpful to know what you can and cannot order. We’ll also cover all available iHerb delivery services to Japan in 2025 and their timelines.

How iHerb Delivery Works in Japan

The first thing to know: delivery options aren’t immediately displayed on the Japanese version of the site, unlike in many other countries. You won’t see the list of carriers upfront.

To view available options:

1. Add items to your cart.
2. Click “Proceed to Checkout.”
3. Enter your Japanese address.
4. Only then will a window with delivery options appear (as we have shown in the screenshot below).

To save you the guesswork, we’ve compiled all available iHerb delivery options to Japan in the table below

Comparison of iHerb shipping services in Japan

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best delivery method for your needs:

Delivery Method	Cost for Orders ≥ ¥6,000	Cost for Orders < ¥6,000	Free Shipping Threshold	Weight/Price Limits	Features
Global Air (iHerb selects)	Free	¥460	¥6,000	Up to ¥16,000 and 13 kg (30 lbs)	iHerb chooses Japan Post, Sagawa, or Yamato. No delivery to PO Box.
Sagawa Mail	¥250	¥460	—	Up to ¥16,000 and 13 kg (30 lbs)	Full tracking. No delivery to PO Box.
Yamato Transport	¥250	¥460	—	Up to ¥16,000 and 8 kg (18 lbs)	Often reliable delivery. No delivery to PO Box.
Japan Post	¥250	¥460	—	Up to ¥16,000 and 6.8 kg (15 lbs)	Sometimes slower. No delivery to PO Box.

How Long Does an iHerb Order Take to Arrive in Japan?

iHerb states that delivery to Japan takes approximately 7–12 days, with all carriers typically delivering within similar timeframes. Paying extra for faster delivery isn’t an option. This is the standard timeline, but delays may occur due to:

• Customs inspections.
• Courier service overload.
• Air transport delays.
• Unforeseen circumstances beyond iHerb’s control.

If everything goes smoothly, expect your order to arrive in about 1.5 weeks.

Japanese Customs and Restrictions for iHerb Parcels

Many who buy supplements and other products from iHerb wonder: do you need to pay duties upon receipt? If you follow the rules, you can avoid additional duties and taxes.

🧾 Key Japanese Customs Rules to Avoid Duties:

• Maximum order value: ¥16,000. If the order total (before applying Rewards discounts) exceeds this limit, you’ll incur customs duties and taxes. In practice, iHerb usually prevents orders above this amount, as all delivery services have the same limit.
• Note: Due to exchange rate fluctuations, orders close to the duty-free limit may still incur duties or taxes if the rate changes between ordering and customs clearance. It’s best to leave a small buffer below the limit.
• Personal use only: Do not order items for resale.
• Accurate address: Use a complete and correct residential address. Delivery to a workplace or non-residential address may cause customs delays. Incorrect information (e.g., missing name/surname, incomplete/incorrect address, or invalid phone number) will lead to delays or non-delivery. The carrier may charge extra to update the address after shipping begins.

Items You Cannot Import to Japan from iHerb

iHerb tries to block items banned in Japan, but the system can occasionally fail. From our experience, we’ve found prohibited items in the Japanese catalog a couple of times. Here’s what you should avoid ordering:

• Products containing: kelp (except one exception, see below), hoodia, aloe (except Aloe Vera), vanilla, rice, grains, nuts, seeds, raw beans, hemp products, pet products, meat products (jerky, extracts), dairy products.
• Substances and medications: DHEA, estrogen (supplements – limited to a 1-month supply per order), 7-Keto/7-Keto DHEA (1-month supply only), atenolol, atomoxetine, adrafinil, aniracetam, etiracetam, oxiracetam, dihydroergotoxine mesylate, somatropin, vasopressin tannate, tianeptine, desmopressin acetate hydrate, nadolol, nicergoline, nimodipine, nefiracetam, vinpocetine, piracetam, furosemide, bromocriptine mesylate, pramiracetam, pregnenolone, propranolol hydrochloride, levetiracetam.

Specific Restrictions and Limits:

Some items from iHerb you can only order to Japan in limited quantities – here’s something to keep in mind:

• Melatonin, yohimbe, potassium iodide, 5-HTP, caffeine, taurine, ashwagandha: You can import a supply for up to 2 months. If a single package or multiple packages exceed this limit, the items may be confiscated.
• Raw honey: If your order exceeds ¥15,500 and includes raw honey, an additional 50% duty will be charged.
• Sugar and sweeteners (including maple syrup, agave syrup): Duties may apply regardless of weight or value. If the total weight of such products exceeds 1 kg (2.2 lbs), duties and additional customs paperwork will be required.
• Food products (including supplements and protein drinks): Up to 10 kg (22 lbs) per order for personal use.
• Cosmetics (including shampoos and conditioners): Up to 24 units.
• Kelp exception: The only permitted kelp product is Sea Tangle Noodle Company, Kelp Noodles, 12 oz. (340 g). You can order up to 5 kg of this product per month (approximately 14 packs).

Helpful Tips for Ordering from Us

• To get free iHerb shipping to Japan, simply place an order of ¥6,000 or more.
• Order your vitamins and supplements in a single shipment with no more than a 3-month supply to avoid having to prove to customs that it’s for personal use, not resale.
• There’s no need to overpay for shipping — choose Global Air with Tracking, and iHerb will automatically select the best delivery method for you.
• Always use your home address. If customs sees a work address, it may cause delays or additional questions.

Join the conversation on our Reddit post to discuss iHerb shipping to Japan!