Ink, Pens, and Markers: What Can Ship
Ink products are a common source of confusion when ordering stationery from Japan. This guide explains which ink products we can purchase and ship, and by which carrier, so you know what to expect before placing an order.
Why ink is regulated
Many inks contain alcohol or oil-based solvents that are classified as flammable liquids for air transport. Carriers decide whether an item is acceptable based on the ink type.
Please note that Japan Rabbit is unable to obtain or accept Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for items.
What can be shipped
✅ Shippable ❌ Not shippable
Item | FedEx | DHL | Japan Post |
|---|---|---|---|
Ballpoint pens | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Water-based pens and markers (gel, rollerball, highlighters) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Water-based ballpoint refills | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Fountain pens without ink | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Pencils and pencil leads | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Fountain pens with ink | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Alcohol-based and oil-based markers (permanent, art markers) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Brush pens | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Alcohol-based pens | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Water-based marker refills | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Correction fluid | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Ink stamps, stamp pads, shuniku | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Oil-based refills and cartridges | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Ink ribbons | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Crayons and oil pastels | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Printer toner | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Bottled ink (fountain pen, calligraphy, India, sumi) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Japan Post is currently not available for shipping ink items to the United States.
FAQ
Can I ship a fountain pen by courier if it’s purchased without ink?
Yes. A fountain pen with no ink installed is treated as regular stationery and can be shipped by any carrier. Fountain pens that come pre-filled or with ink cartridges installed can only ship via Japan Post.
Are refillable pens treated differently from disposable ones?
No. What matters is the ink type and whether it’s inside the pen or in a separate bottle or cartridge.
I’m in the US and want to order alcohol-based markers. What are my options?
Unfortunately, these can only ship via Japan Post, which is not currently available for ink items to the US. We’d recommend holding off on the order until the restriction is lifted, or considering water-based alternatives.