United Kingdom → Japan

Microchip before the first rabies vaccination (same day allowed), complying with ISO 11784/11785 (15 digits, numbers only). Non-ISO chip: contact the AQS at the port of entry and bring a reader if the AQS cannot read it.

First rabies vaccination at 91 days of age or older (date of birth = day 0), on or after the day of microchipping. Inactivated (killed) or recombinant vaccine only — live and RNA rabies vaccines are not accepted. A dose at 84–90 days (allowed in some countries) is invalid for Japan.

Second rabies vaccination at least 30 days after the first (first = day 0) and within the first one's effective period (duration of immunity, not the vial's expiry date). Then keep boosting before each effective period ends until arrival — a late booster does not count and the procedure restarts from the first vaccination.

Rabies antibody test at a laboratory designated by the MAFF Minister (the AQS publishes the list), on blood drawn after the second vaccination (same day allowed) and within the vaccine's effective period. Result at least 0.5 IU/ml, valid 2 years from blood sampling; below 0.5 IU/ml, retest. If the origin country has no designated laboratory the serum must go to one abroad.

Arrive at least 180 days after the blood sampling date (blood sampling = day 0), and within both the rabies vaccine's effective period and the 2-year validity of the antibody test.

Notify the AQS office at the expected port of entry at least 40 days before arrival — online through NACCS or by e-mail with the notification form (separate forms for dogs and cats). It can be filed during the 180-day wait. The AQS issues an "Approval of Import Inspection of Animals" (print or save it).

Clinical inspection by a veterinarian within 10 days before boarding, checking the microchip: free of clinical signs of rabies (dogs: rabies and leptospirosis).

Certificate issued by the exporting country's government veterinary authority with: date of birth or age; microchip number and date; every rabies vaccination (date, effective period, vaccine type, product and manufacturer); every antibody test (blood sampling date, titer, designated laboratory); date and result of the pre-export inspection. Recommended model: Form AC (filled in by a private vet and endorsed by the official government vet, or filled in by the official vet). Original needed on arrival.

Apply for import inspection on arrival (NACCS or paper form). Documents: application, the original government certificate, the antibody test report, a copy of the air waybill / bill of lading for cargo, a power of attorney if an agent other than a customs broker acts for you. Cabin/checked baggage: go to the AQS counter in the baggage claim area before customs; cargo: collect the papers from the airline and go to the AQS office.