Your Step-by-Step Guide to Japan's ANIPAS System: Submitting Your Import Notification (40 Days Out) and Understanding Form A/B Certification (2026)

The Final Hurdle: Document Declaration

Once you've completed the 180-day waiting period, passed the FAVN blood test, and booked your flights, the most crucial next step is to submit your "Import Notification" through Japan's official ANIPAS system at least 40 days before your arrival in Japan.

This notification isn't just a heads-up that you're bringing a pet; it's the basis for the Japan Animal Quarantine Service (動物検疫所, AQS) to verify all your documents and arrange for quarantine officers at the airport. Failure to submit 40 days in advance, or if your submission is rejected and requires corrections, could prevent your pet from entering Japan as planned.

What is ANIPAS?

ANIPAS (Animal Import Procedures Application System) is Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (農林水産省, MAFF) online animal import declaration system, designed for all pet owners planning to bring dogs or cats into Japan.

Through ANIPAS, you can:

• Submit your "Import Notification" (輸入予定届出書)
• Upload all relevant documents (blood test reports, vaccination records, health certificates, etc.)
• Check your application status
• Communicate with the airport quarantine office (検疫所) for any additional document requests

🌐 ANIPAS Portal: https://anipas.maff.go.jp (English/Japanese interface available)

Timeline Reminder: The Significance of 40 Days

⚠️ Important: If your 40-day advance notification is incorrect, rejected, or requires additional documents, and your departure date is less than 40 days away, you must still wait for the corrections to be completed before your pet can enter Japan. If you've already purchased your flight tickets, be sure to allow ample buffer time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Application in the ANIPAS System

Step 1: Create an Account / Log In

Go to the ANIPAS homepage and select "English" in the top right corner to switch the language.

• First-time users: Click "New Registration (新規登録)" to create an account.
• Enter your email address and password, then complete the verification to log in.

Step 2: Select 'Import Notification'

After logging in, select: "New Application → Import of Dogs/Cats → Import Notification"

Step 3: Fill in Applicant's Basic Information

Step 4: Fill in Pet Information

Step 5: Fill in Travel Information

Step 6: Upload Document Checklist

The system will require you to upload the following documents (PDF or clear JPG):

📎 After uploading all documents, the system will generate an Application Reference Number (申請受付番号). Please note it down or take a screenshot for your records.

Form A and Form B: Which One Do You Need?

The "Exporting Country's Certificate" required by Japan's AQS comes in two forms: Form A and Form B, used depending on the country of departure:

Government Endorsement Agencies by Country

The Health Certificate (Form B) must be stamped and endorsed by an officially recognized government agency in the country of departure to be valid. Below are the main endorsement agencies for key countries:

After Receiving Your Reference Number: Awaiting Review

After submission, the AQS typically responds with the review results within 2–5 business days (may take longer during peak seasons):

• Approved (承認): Congratulations! You can now prepare for the health certificate required 10 days before departure.
• Correction Requested (補正依頼): Modify/supplement documents according to AQS instructions and resubmit.
• Rejected (否認): Usually indicates a significant issue (e.g., blood test date mismatch, missing documents); you'll need to confirm with AQS and re-complete the entire process.

📧 Tip: If you don't receive a response for an extended period, you can email the airport quarantine office (検疫所) responsible for your arrival directly to check the status. Their email addresses can be found on the ANIPAS official website.

10 Days Before Departure: The Final Health Certificate Push

Validity of the Health Certificate

Japan requires that the Health Certificate be issued within 10 days before your arrival in Japan (i.e., the period between the certificate's signing date and the entry date must not exceed 10 days).

Issuance Process

1. Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in international pet exports.
2. The veterinarian will complete the certificate according to AQS requirements (using Form B / Form A as appropriate for your region).
3. Submit the certificate to the government endorsement agency for stamping (confirm appointment and processing time in advance).
4. Once you have the endorsed original, prepare it along with all other documents to carry with you.

Essential Documents for Airport Arrival

Upon arrival at the Japanese airport, ensure you have all original documents with you (photocopies alone are not sufficient):

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Conclusion: A Stress-Free Declaration Mindset

Operating the ANIPAS system itself isn't overly complicated; the most common pitfalls are timing calculations and detail verification. Before submitting, we recommend you:

1. Create your own timeline tracker (working backward from the 180-day, 40-day, and 10-day key milestones).
2. Cross-reference every document field by field for microchip numbers, vaccination dates, and blood draw dates to ensure consistency.
3. Set reminders after submission; if you don't receive a review result within 7 business days, proactively contact the airport quarantine office (検疫所) to confirm the status.

With complete documents and the correct process, this step can be much smoother than you might expect.