GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
SUPREME COMMANDER FOR THE ALLIED POWERS

APO 500
20 February 1948

AG 311.1 (20 Feb 48) CCS
(SCAPIN - 1862)

MEMORANDUM FOR	JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
SUBJECT	International Mail Service.

1. Reference is made to Memoranda for the Japanese Government as follows:
a. File AG 31l.1(26 Aug 47)CCS, SCAPIN 1768, dated 26 August 1947, subject same as above.
b. File AG 331.1(6 Oct 47)CCS, SCAPIN 1792, dated 6 October 1947, subject same as above.
c. File AG 311.1(7 Nov 47)CCS, SCAPIN 1814, dated 7 November 1947, subject same as above.
2, Effective 26 February 1948 the above memoranda are supplemented by the Instructions contained herein.
3. Mailing from Japan only of books, newspapers and other periodical publications, under the classification of "Prints", is authorized subject to the provisions and limitations of the Universal Postal Union Convention.
4. Mailing is permitted by parcel post of trade samples weighing more than 18 ounces and ordinary commercial items of merchandise, to and from japan, subject to regulatory provisions shown below:
a. Existing regulations governing mailing of "Relief" parcels, to Japan only, are not affected.
b. Weight limit will be in accordance with limitations provided by Universal Postal Union Parcel Post Agreement and/or applicable bilateral agreements, but not exceeding 22 pounds per parcel.
c. Parcels originating in Japan containing trade samples will require licenses approved by Boeki Cho, and must have Customs Declaration tags attached indorsed "Trade Samples Only". Parcels containing trade samples originating elsewhere and destined for Japan Will have attached thereto Customs Declaration showing character of articles and that they are trade samples.
d. Parcels containing ordinary items of merchandise in commercial quantities, to and from Japan, must be accompanied by a certified or photostatic copy of a license validated by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers permitting such importation or exportation. The words "Import License Inclosed" or "Export License Inclosed", whichever is applicable, must be indorsed on the wrapper as well as the words, "This Package May be Opened for Customs Inspection".
e. All parcels entering Japan will be subject to examination by Japanese Customs Service. All parcel post packages, samples and small packets entering Japan and submitted to customs examination are subject to a customs clearance fee to be collected from the addressee upon delivery. Importation of dutiable articles will be subject to prevailing laws and regulations governing examination, appraisal and assessment of duty (items in authorized, quantities in "relief" parcels will continue to be duty free).
f. Each parcel post package must have securely attached thereto a "Customs Declaration" on which must be shown full and precise details.
g. Neither insurance, registry nor C.O.D. service is included.
h. Undeliverable parcels (except "relief" parcels) will be treated in accordance with the provisions of' the Universal Postal Union Parcel Post Agreement, or applicable bilateral agreements.
i. Prohibited Articles:
(1) Items included under Article 16, Universal Postal Union Parcel Post Agreement.
(2) Articles prohibited in Japan's Regular International Mails.
(3) Any book, pamphlet, paper, writing, advertisement, circular, printing or drawing containing any matter advocating or urging treason or insurrection against any Government.
(4) Articles prohibited under terms of bilateral parcel post agreements between Japan and other countries.
5. Japan's authorized International Air Mail Service will embrace all mailable matter authorized now or later in the international regular-mail service to and from Japan.
6. Registration is permitted of all mailable matter authorized in the international regular-mail service, including air mail, to and from Japan, in accordance with the following:
a. Charges:
(1) Registration fee of ¥7 per article, except that domestic registration fee of ¥5 will apply to each registered article destined for Korea.
(2) Fee of \5 for return receipt requested at time of mailing of article and ¥7 when request is made after mailing of article.
b. Extent of Responsibility:
(1) Provision for Payment of indemnity is not included and cannot be considered until an International Exchange Rate for Japanese yen is established.
(2) Japanese Postal Service will exercise all reasonable measure to safeguard and properly dispose of registered articles.
7. Direct communication between Civil Communications Section or other staff sections, General Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Pawers, and the Ministry of Communications regarding technical matters within the scope of this memorandum authorized.

FOR THE SUPREME COMMANDER:

R.M. LEVY,
Colonel, AGD,
Adjutant General.