What is International ePacket Light

Japan Post discontinued the Registered Mail service for international parcels as of December 20, 2025. Registered Mail was delivered with a signature upon receipt and included insurance coverage up to a certain amount.

From 2026, Japan Post will instead offer ePacket Economy as a lower cost shipping option for international orders.

International ePacket Light is a Japan Post airmail Small Packet shipping service for small items (up to 2kg). It includes tracking and is generally delivered to the recipient’s mailbox (no signature required).

This article is a short placeholder overview for customers. We will update it as additional operational details are finalized.

Please note that ePacket Economy differs from Registered Mail in the following ways:

It does not include insurance - packages are not insured

It is delivered without a signature

Tracking is available, however, in some countries tracking updates may not be available once the parcel has left Japan

This service is intended for smaller parcels only.

For orders of higher value, larger items, or if you want insured and signature-required delivery, we strongly recommend choosing EMS at checkout. We reserve the right to change the shipping to EMS based on country risk, delays or package value.

If you have any questions about which shipping option is best for your order, please feel free to contact us BEFORE placing your order.

Description:

Shipping Type:
Airmail International ePacket Light (Small Packet).

Estimated Delivery Time (Japan Post):
Approximately 5–21 days after shipment.
Delivery time may vary depending on customs and local delivery conditions.

Tracking:
Tracking is included.
Please note: depending on the destination, some tracking updates may be limited or not searchable.

Delivery Method:
Typically delivered to the recipient’s mailbox, and no signature is required.

Size / Weight Limits (Small Packet limits):

Maximum length: 60 cm
Maximum total size: length + width + thickness = 90 cm
Maximum weight (Japan Post): 2 kg (Packing included)

ePacket Light, especially from Japan Post, is considered less secure because it offers no insurance or compensation for loss/damage, has lower weight limits (under 2kg), and is delivered to mailboxes without requiring a signature, making it vulnerable, with tracking stopping at "delivered" for compensation claims, so it's best for inexpensive items; for valuable goods, use secure options like EMS. We reserve the right to change the shipping to EMS based on country risk, delays or package/item value.

Why ePacket Light Is Less Secure:

No Insurance: There's no insurance or refund if your package is lost or damaged during transit.
Mailbox Delivery: Packages are left in your mailbox, so no signature is required, increasing theft risk.
Limited Tracking: While it offers tracking, once marked "delivered," you generally can't claim compensation if it goes missing.
Weight Limit: Packages must be under 2kg, suitable only for small, light items.

When to Use It (Low Risk):

When buying inexpensive items where loss or damage wouldn't be a major financial hit.
When speed isn't critical and you don't need guaranteed delivery confirmation.

When to Avoid It (High Risk):

For expensive electronics, jewelry, or valuable collectibles.
If you need guaranteed delivery or insurance against loss.

Secure Alternatives:

EMS (Express Mail Service): Offers insurance and better tracking for high-value items.

In Summary: Think of ePacket Light as a budget option – great for small, cheap goods but risky for anything you can't afford to lose.