GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
SUPREME COMMANDER FOR THE ALLIED POWERS

APO 500
26 May 1949

AG 311.1 (28 May 48) CCS
(SCAPIN-1900/9)

MEMORANDUM FOR	JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
SUBJECT	International Postal Service

1. Reference is made to Memorandum for the Japanese Government, file AG 311.1 (28 May 48) CCS, SCAPIN 1900, dated 28 May 1948, subject same as above, as amended.
2. Effective 1 June 1949, paragraph 7 of the reference memorandum is amended to read as follows:
"7. Parcel Post. a. Mailing is permitted by parcel post of trade samples weighing more than eighteen (18) ounces; and ordinary commercial items of merchandise, to and from Japan, subject to the following regulatory provisions:
(1) Weight limit will be in accordance with limitations provided by the Universal Postal Union Parcel Post Agreement and/or applicable bilateral agreements, but not exceeding twenty-two (22) pounds per parcel.
(2) Parcels containing trade samples to and from Japan must have Customs Declaration tags attached indorsed "Trade Samples Only."
(3) 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 Parcel may be Opened for Customs Inspection."
(4) Parcels containing personal or household articles, professional instruments and tools of trade, in non-commercial quantities, for the personal use of the recipient, will be mailable to and from Japan and will not require a license. Such parcels will be subject to customs examination and clearance in accordance with Japanese laws.
b. The mailing of relief parcels, to Japan only, is permitted subject to a weight limit of twenty-two (22) pounds. The contents of parcels are restricted to non-perishable foods, clothing and mailable medicines, in non-commercial quantities, for the personal use of the recipient and his immediate family, or for the use of bona fide orphan asylums, asylums for the aged and charity hospitals. The wrappers of such parcels must be indorsed "Gift Parcel" or "Relief Parcel." Such parcels will be subject to a customs clearance fee on delivery but will be admitted duty free.
c. Parcels inscribed as "Gift Parcel" or "Relief Parcel" and found to contain clothing in commercial quantities will not be permitted entry duty free. Such parcels will be impounded, addressees notified and afforded sixty (60) days to obtain import licenses and pay all import duties and other applicable taxes and penalties. In the event of failure of addressees to take the required actions within the time limit, the parcels will be treated as undeliverable.
d. Parcels inscribed as "Gift Parcel" or "Relief Parcel" found to contain mailable medicines in commercial quantities will be treated as undeliverable.
e. Parcels containing food items weighing up to twenty-two (22) pounds will not be considered as being in commercial quantities.
f. Gift articles, as distinguished from relief items, such as watches, fountain pens, tobacco products, etc., will be subject to customs duty. Parcels inscribed as "Gift Parcel" or "Relief Parcel" found to contain such articles will be delivered only on payment of customs duties and other applicable taxes or penalties. If addressees fail to pay duties and other taxes or penalties, such parcels will be treated as undeliverable.
g. Undeliverable parcels will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Universal Postal Union Parcel Post Agreement, or applicable bilateral agreements.
h. Each parcel post package must have securely attached thereto a "Customs Declaration" on which must be shown full and precise details.
i. Neither insurance, registry or C.O.D. service is included.
j. Prohibited articles:
(1) Items included under Article 16, Universal Postal Union Parcel Post Agreement.
(2) Articles prohibited in Japan's international regular-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) Articles prohibited under paragraph 2, Section I, Annex II, SCAPIN 1966, dated 18 January 1949, subject: Property Individuals are Authorized to Carry On Entering and Leaving Japan.
k. All parcels entering Japan will be subject to examination by the Japanese Customs Service. All parcel post packages (including relief parcels), samples, small packets and other articles entering Japan through International mail channels and submitted to Customs examination are subject to a customs clearance fee to be collected from the addressee upon delivery. The fee to be collected will not exceed the amounts specified by the Universal Postal Union Convention or applicable bilateral parcel post agreements. Importation of dutiable articles will be subject to prevailing laws and regulations governing examination, appraisal and assessment of duty, except that items permitted in bona fide relief parcels and inscribed as "Gift Parcel" or "Relief Parcel" will not be subject to appraisal or assessment of duty."

FOR THE SUPREME COMMANDER:

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