AIRPORT DUTY FREE GUIDEDecide before you buy: carry-on or checked baggage?
Being able to buy an item does not mean you can take it home without conditions. Check the product type, baggage method, transfer airport and destination rules before paying.
First ask whether it is a liquid and where you buy it
International flights departing Japan follow standard cabin-liquid rules, with possible additional airline, transfer and destination conditions.
Lotions, creams, gels and alcohol
Liquids bought in town or before security must normally be in containers of 100 mL or less, all inside one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre per passenger. Larger permitted items should go into checked baggage before security.
Boxed sweets, solid goods and clothing
Weight, piece limits, dangerous goods and destination food restrictions still apply. Check fragile valuables and battery-powered products separately.
Separate cosmetics treated as liquids
Lotions, gels, creams, fragrance and some sprays may be treated as liquids.
Carry-on baggage
Use containers of 100 mL or less, placed in one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre per passenger.
Checked baggage
If airline and dangerous-goods rules allow, put larger containers in checked baggage before security. Secure caps and prevent leaks.
After-security duty free
Liquids over 100 mL may sometimes travel in an approved security bag. Travellers with connections must check before buying.
Check both flight rules and destination rules
The amount you can buy, carry on an aircraft and import duty-free may all be different.
Bought in town or before security
- Bottles over 100 mL normally cannot go in cabin baggage
- Check airline rules before placing alcohol in checked baggage
- Protect bottles against leaks and breakage
- Allow for baggage weight limits
Bought at airport duty free
- Liquids over 100 mL may be accepted in some cases
- Check whether your transfer accepts STEBs
- Do not open the sealed security bag
- Check alcohol allowances at your destination separately
Destination rules also apply to sweets and tobacco
An item sold at the airport is not automatically allowed into every country.
Sweets and food
Creams, jellies and pastes may fall under liquid rules. Meat, plants, fruit and other foods can be restricted by your destination’s quarantine rules.
Tobacco
Age, quantity, duty-free allowance and declaration rules vary by destination. Do not confuse the store’s sales limit with your import allowance.
If you have a connection, ask before buying liquids
STEBs are tamper-evident security bags for duty-free liquids, but they are not accepted on every route or at every transfer airport.
Tell staff your route
Give the store your transfer airport and final destination and ask whether a STEB can be used.
Keep the bag sealed
Keep the product and receipt in the designated bag. Do not open it during the journey.
Local rules decide
Transfer-airport security and destination import rules take priority. Ask the airline if unsure.
Packing checklist
- Product type, capacity, ingredients and alcohol strength
- Airline carry-on and checked-baggage rules
- Whether your transfer includes security screening
- Destination allowances and import restrictions
- Protection against bottle damage and leaks
- Checked-baggage weight and free space
Decide how to carry it, then compare at the airport
At eligible Narita stores, show the in-store offer before payment. For alcohol and cosmetics, ask about transfer and destination conditions before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry cosmetics in containers of 100 mL or less?＋
For international flights departing Japan, liquids should normally be in containers of 100 mL or less, placed in one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre per passenger. Check current airline and airport guidance.
Are duty-free liquids over 100 mL always allowed on connecting flights?＋
No. They may be accepted in a STEB, but not every country or airport recognises the system. Ask the store and airline before buying and do not open the bag.
Can I put alcohol in checked baggage?＋
Conditions depend on the airline and alcohol strength. If accepted, protect against leaks and breakage and watch the baggage weight limit.
