Pet Transport from China to Japan: AQS Two-Vaccination and 180-Day Wait Process
Japan operates one of the most precise pet import systems in the world. Pets from China face a process that requires two rabies vaccinations (not one), an FAVN titre test, a mandatory 180-day wait …
Get your free quoteThe China to Japan import process
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
Responsible: Vet in China
Responsible: Vet in China
Responsible: Vet in China
Responsible: Vet and AQS-approved laboratory
Responsible: Owner to track
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: GACC-authorised official vet
Responsible: Airline, Japan AQS
Japan entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Export requirements
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Critical points
The 180-day wait from the titre test blood draw date is absolute. If your pet arrives before 180 days have elapsed, it will be quarantined in an AQS facility in Japan for the remaining days. Source: Japan AQS, maff.go.jp/aqs.
Japan requires TWO rabies vaccinations after microchipping. A single vaccination is not sufficient. Both vaccinations must be given after the microchip is confirmed implanted.
The AQS advance notification must be submitted at least 40 days before arrival at the intended airport. This is a strict requirement. Late submission can result in refusal of entry.
Japan AQS has a specific health certificate format. The GACC-authorised vet in China must be familiar with this format. Using a generic export certificate will cause problems at AQS.
Approved Japanese arrival airports for live animal imports include Tokyo Narita (NRT), Kansai (KIX), and others. Confirm the approved airports for your route when submitting the AQS notification.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) | Direct cargo from Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) and other Japanese airports. ANA Cargo handles live animals. Advance booking and full documentation required. | Cargo Only |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Direct cargo from PEK and PVG to NRT, Kansai (KIX), and other Japanese airports. JAL Cargo live animal transport. Brachycephalic breed restrictions apply. | Cargo Only |
| Air China | Direct cargo services from PEK and PVG to NRT. Air China Cargo. Confirm live animal documentation requirements before booking. | Cargo Only |
| Cathay Pacific | Via Hong Kong (HKG) to Japanese airports. AFCD transit rules apply at HKG. Option if departing from southern Chinese cities. | Cargo Only |
Japan AQS: the two-vaccination requirement and sequence
Japan AQS requires two separate rabies vaccinations after microchip implantation for pets from non-designated countries including China. The first vaccination must be administered when the pet is at least 91 days old (approximately 3 months). Both vaccinations must be administered after the microchip has been implanted and confirmed. If the microchip was implanted after the first vaccination, that vaccination does not count and the process must restart from microchipping.
The sequence is: microchip implanted, confirmed working; first rabies vaccination (pet at least 91 days old); second rabies vaccination (as directed by vet and AQS requirements); blood draw for titre test at least 30 days after the second vaccination; 180-day wait from blood draw date. This sequence must be followed exactly. Any deviation, including giving the first vaccination before confirming the microchip reads correctly, invalidates that vaccination for AQS purposes. Source: Japan AQS, maff.go.jp/aqs.
The GACC export process for Japan
The GACC (General Administration of Customs of China) export process for Japan-bound pets follows the same general steps as for all international exports from China. The distinguishing feature for Japan is the health certificate format: Japan AQS has its own specific format requirements that differ from EU or UK AHC formats. The GACC-authorised vet in China must issue the health certificate in Japan AQS format, countersigned by GACC, within 14 days of the Japan arrival date.
Apply for the GACC export permit 4-6 weeks before departure. Approved international departure airports for China are PEK (Beijing Capital), PVG (Shanghai Pudong), and CAN (Guangzhou Baiyun). Direct ANA and JAL services from PEK and PVG to Tokyo Narita are the most straightforward routing. Air China also operates direct services to NRT. Routing via Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) introduces AFCD transit requirements and adds complexity.
The 40-day AQS advance notification: how it works
Japan AQS requires advance notification at least 40 days before the pet’s intended arrival at the destination airport. This notification is submitted by fax or mail to the AQS office at the arrival airport. The notification must include the pet’s details, the intended arrival date and flight, the health certificate, vaccination records, and titre test results. AQS reviews the submission and confirms whether all requirements are met before travel.
Late notification (fewer than 40 days before arrival) is one of the most common causes of refused entry or delays for pets travelling to Japan. Submit the notification as soon as your travel plans are confirmed, even if the 180-day wait has not yet elapsed. If your plans change, you must notify AQS of the new arrival date. Source: Japan AQS, maff.go.jp/aqs. This process is most smoothly managed by a specialist pet transport agent who handles Japan-bound shipments regularly.
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