What is the difference between personal imports (personal import agents) and overseas mail order?

If you like overseas cosmetics or fashion, you may have heard the terms "personal import (agency)" and "overseas mail order."

So, what are the specific differences?

What is "Personal Import (Agent)"?

Ordering from within Japan to a store based overseas and importing (obtaining) the product for personal use.

In addition, personal import agents are shopping agents who act as an intermediary between local stores and customers to assist with purchases for those who are unable to directly inquire at stores based overseas due to language barriers or other reasons.

※Caution! Pitfalls of proxy services

If the item is being shipped via a third party store, check where the item is being obtained from.
The best thing to do is to ask the delivery service directly, or you can use Google Maps or similar to find the sender of the package you are receiving.
If you ask and they don't give you a clear, specific answer, you might need to be careful.

Especially for organic cosmetics, the storage period and storage location are important. If the shipping source is a private home rather than a store, you need to be careful.

What is "overseas mail order"?

Using mail order sites (online shops) based overseas.
This means that individuals can order directly from the site, have the products shipped, and import (obtain) them for use.

So, in reality, both are considered personal imports .

[The appeal of overseas mail order (personal import)]

• Available at low prices
• There are items and sizes not yet available in Japan.
• I can't travel abroad, but I can still feel the excitement of receiving messages from overseas, etc.

However, there are some other points to be aware of.

[Points to note]

• It takes a long time to arrive
• There are no instructions in Japanese on the package
• In the unlikely event of a complaint, you will need to be able to make inquiries in a foreign language.
• Tariffs etc.

\People who are suitable for overseas mail order/

Simply put, we are looking for people who understand the above and can take responsibility for everything from purchasing to receiving the product.

When you think about it that way, the hurdle becomes quite high.

But it's okay!
Bio Lounge, run by local Japanese residents, can help lower this hurdle once and for all.

[Benefits of using Bio Lounge ]

• Inquiries are 100% in Japanese
• Packaging that takes into consideration the environment and the risk of damage
• Bio Lounge Compensation in the unlikely event of an accident
• A selection of carefully selected local items
• A price range that the whole family can afford

At Bio Lounge, we store our organic and natural cosmetics in the best possible location, away from direct sunlight and at the right temperature.
We also keep inventory to a minimum and purchase fresh items directly from wholesalers and manufacturers on an ongoing basis.


If you have never imported anything personally or ordered something from overseas before, or are unsure, we encourage you to give Bio Lounge a try.

Unfortunately, there is a limit to how quickly we can deliver your order, but we hope to introduce you to quality European products and provide clues to solving long-standing skin problems.

For more information, see also

• Promise of peace of mind
• Why choose BioLounge?