When Can You Drop Off Click Post at the Counter? October Exception Rules and Postbox Decisions
Starting October 1, 2026, Click Post packages must be dropped off in postboxes by default. Bringing packages to a post office counter will be permitted only if they meet one of the three exception conditions announced by Japan Post on August 21, and only if the package thickness is 3 cm or less (based on announcements confirmed as of September 19, 2026, prior to implementation).
The long-standing habit of simply heading to the counter whenever a package doesn't fit in a postbox will no longer work. Your options depend entirely on why the package couldn't be posted. This guide breaks down how to identify the cause, the exact requirements for counter drop-off, and your alternative options when a package won't go in.
Postbox Drop Is Standard; Counters Are for Exceptions Only
From October onward, you can use the counter only if you meet both criteria: qualifying for an exception condition and keeping package thickness at 3 cm or less.
Japan Post's Fare Revision Announcement on July 3 initially stated that Click Post would be accepted via "postbox drop only." Taken on its own, that sounded like a complete elimination of counter drop-offs. However, an August 21 notice on drop-off procedures clarified specific exceptions where counters may still be used.
The announcement outlines three exception conditions for counter drop-off:
- When a postbox cannot be used because it is full, out of order, or otherwise unavailable
- When shipping a volume expected to exceed what can fit in a single postbox drop
- When a package meets the dimensional limits (total dimensions within 60 cm, longest side within 34 cm) but cannot be posted because the postbox slot width is too narrow
Furthermore, the notice explicitly states that counters will only accept packages 3 cm thick or less. Even if your situation matches one of the exceptions, packages exceeding 3 cm in thickness will not be accepted at the counter.
Under the same October 1 revision, the rate will increase from 185 yen to 240 yen (tax included), size limits will adjust to total dimensions within 60 cm, longest side within 34 cm, and postable in a postal collection box, and the weight limit will increase from 1 kg to 2 kg. For a complete overview of the upcoming changes, see our summary of October changes.
Because I was unable to find official details regarding specific postbox models or slot dimensions during my research, this article avoids making definitive claims about specific postbox slot sizes. Instead, it focuses on the conditions confirmed in official announcements and the practical steps to take when a package cannot be posted.
Pinpoint Why the Package Cannot Be Posted
When you take a package to a postbox and it won't go in, your next move depends on the underlying reason. Start by determining which of the following three scenarios applies to your situation.
The Postbox Itself Is Unusable Due to Being Full or Out of Order
If the slot is blocked, the box is overflowing because collection hasn't kept up, or an out-of-order notice is posted, your situation directly falls under the first exception condition.
The quickest solution is to find another nearby postbox. If you don't have time to travel to another box, or if nearby boxes are in the same state, consider taking your shipment to the counter. As long as package thickness is 3 cm or less, Japan Post's guidance allows counter drop-off under this exception.
Shipping a Volume That Exceeds Single-Drop Capacity
When dispatching dozens of packages at once, such as right after a sale or during post-weekend fulfillment, your shipment will likely exceed what can fit into a single postbox. This scenario falls under the second exception.
While you could continue using postboxes by splitting shipments across multiple boxes or staggering dispatch dates, official rules explicitly permit counter drop-off on the grounds of "volume expected to exceed single-drop capacity." Here too, eligibility is strictly limited to packages 3 cm thick or less.
The official announcement materials do not define an exact threshold for "volume expected to exceed single-drop capacity" (such as a specific item count or parcel limit). Rather than showing up at the counter with a large batch without clarity, it is far safer to contact your local post office ahead of time to confirm their policy and let them know your parcel count.
Dimensions and Longest Side Are Within Limits, but the Slot Width Is Too Narrow
Under the new size specifications, the standalone 3 cm thickness cap is removed; on paper, any parcel is within limits as long as the total dimensions do not exceed 60 cm and the longest side is 34 cm or less. For instance, a parcel measuring 30 × 23 × 4 cm satisfies the numerical criteria, but it may physically fail to pass through narrower postbox slots. This scenario falls under the third exception.
However, counter drop-off under this exception is also restricted to packages 3 cm thick or less. Keep in mind that even if a parcel satisfies the total dimension rules, the counter will not accept it if its thickness exceeds 3 cm.
Check Thickness Before Heading to the Counter
Whether you can use the counter is determined by both meeting an exception condition and keeping package thickness at 3 cm or less. Use the reference table below to check your situation based on the reason for non-posting and your package thickness.
| Reason Package Cannot Be Posted | Package Thickness | Required Verification | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postbox is full or out of order | 3 cm or less | Qualifies for exception | Consider counter drop-off, or use another available postbox |
| Postbox is full or out of order | Over 3 cm | Ineligible for counter (exceeds thickness) | Repack to reduce thickness, or consider another postbox or shipping method |
| Volume expected to exceed single-drop capacity | All 3 cm or less | Consult post office beforehand regarding volume threshold | Counter drop-off, or split across multiple postboxes or shipping dates |
| Volume expected to exceed single-drop capacity | Includes packages over 3 cm | Thick packages ineligible for counter | Take only packages 3 cm or less to the counter; separate packages over 3 cm for alternative methods |
| Within limits, but slot width is insufficient | 3 cm or less | Qualifies for exception | Consider counter drop-off, or check for another postbox that accommodates the dimensions |
| Within limits, but slot width is insufficient | Over 3 cm | Ineligible for counter (exceeds thickness) | Repack, find another drop-off location, or switch shipping methods |
| Unsure whether package will fit postbox | Any thickness | Physical fit through actual postbox slot | Test with the postbox you plan to use (do not force it in) |
As the table shows, even if you meet the exception criteria, you cannot drop off a package at the counter if it exceeds 3 cm in thickness. Thickness must be measured by the package's outer dimensions after packing, not by the product alone. For details on measuring after packing and how to calculate total dimensions, see our guide on new size requirements and packaging checks.
Keep in mind that the final decision regarding counter acceptance rests with each post office. This article organizes the official announcement details; it is not a record of confirmed counter acceptances in practice. For peace of mind, contact your local post office to explain your situation before bringing packages to the counter.
What to Do When Thick Packages Won't Fit in the Postbox
If a package exceeding 3 cm in thickness does not fit into a postbox slot, simply "taking it to the counter" will not solve the problem, because counters will only accept items 3 cm thick or less. Evaluate your options in the following order:
- See if repacking can reduce package thickness. Changing your cushioning material or rearranging items inside the package can often slim down the final thickness. However, avoid aggressive flattening that could damage the product. Our guide to the new size limits explains differences in packing material thickness and how to measure accurately.
- Check whether an alternative postbox can be used. Postbox slot designs can vary across different collection box models. However, because I could not confirm official details specifying which models accept which dimensions, there is no guarantee that another postbox will accommodate your parcel. You will need to test available collection boxes in person.
- Consider switching shipping methods. If repacking and trying other postboxes fail to resolve the issue, switching to another delivery service is the most practical path forward. According to official announcements confirmed as of September 19, 2026, Yu-Packet will have a flat basic rate of 360 yen (tax included) from October 1, Letter Pack Plus costs 600 yen with no thickness limit (as long as the dedicated envelope can be sealed shut), and Yu-Pack rates start at 840 yen for size 60 within the same prefecture.
Even with high volumes or valid exception criteria, counters will not accept packages thicker than 3 cm. Never assume bulk volume alone justifies counter drop-off—always check each individual package's thickness first.
Dispatch Procedures to Share with Your Staff
In stores where multiple team members handle shipping, having a standardized procedure ensures consistent decisions across staff. The workflow below is not an official Japan Post procedure, but a proposed internal operational plan based on the announced rules. Adjust it to fit your store's setup.
- Record outer dimensions, total weight, and thickness after packing. In addition to checking that parcels meet the limits of total dimensions within 60 cm, longest side within 34 cm, and total weight within 2 kg, record package thickness to determine counter eligibility if needed.
- Designate a postbox and attempt posting. Select your regular postbox. If packages cannot be posted, record the reason: full/out of order, high volume, or doesn't fit through the slot.
- Cross-check against exception criteria and thickness limits. If the reason matches one of the three exceptions and package thickness is 3 cm or less, consider bringing it to the counter. Route packages over 3 cm away from the counter and toward repacking or alternative carriers.
- Prepare an explanation if heading to the counter. When bringing packages to the counter, be ready to state which exception applies, backed by notes on postbox conditions or total parcel counts.
- Confirm and share completed dispatch records. Share the total parcel count and tracking number list across your team to ensure no unposted or pending parcels remain.
For guidance on creating a comprehensive dispatch workflow for your team, see our shipping manual for fulfillment staff. Keep your internal SOPs up to date by monitoring the latest conditions on Japan Post's official announcement page. For managing workflows around payment cutoff times and service downtime during the cutover, check our September 30 – October 1 shipping readiness checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I drop off packages thicker than 3 cm at the counter when shipping in bulk?
No, you cannot. While Japan Post announced that shipping volumes expected to exceed what fits in a single drop qualify for counter drop-off, the announcement explicitly states that counter acceptance is limited to packages 3 cm thick or less. Even with high shipment volumes, packages exceeding 3 cm cannot be dropped off at the counter, so consider repacking or switching to another shipping method.
Q. Will counter drop-off for Click Post be completely discontinued in October?
No, it will not be completely discontinued. Although the July announcement stated that packages would only be accepted via postbox drop, an August update added three exceptions: when a postbox is full or out of order, when shipping volumes are expected to exceed what can be posted at once, or when a package meets dimensional limits but the postbox slot width is too narrow. As long as a package qualifies under one of these exceptions and measures 3 cm or less in thickness, it can still be dropped off at the counter.
Q. Can I drop off packages in any postbox?
The official requirement states that parcels must be "postable in a postal collection box." Because official specifications detailing postbox slot dimensions or compatible collection box models could not be confirmed during this research, it cannot be said that parcels will fit into every postbox. Test the slot of the actual postbox you intend to use, and consult Japan Post notices or ask at a counter if you are unsure.
Q. Do I need to bring anything special when dropping off at the counter?
Bring your packages with printed shipping labels affixed, and be ready to explain which of the three exception conditions applies. Because specific counter reception procedures were not detailed in the announcement materials, checking in advance with your local post office ensures a smooth handoff.
Q. What should I keep in mind when shipping around the September 30 to October 1 transition?
According to official announcements, transactions where payment is completed by 11:30 PM on September 30 (scheduled) will be charged the previous rate of 185 yen. The service is scheduled to be temporarily unavailable due to system maintenance from 11:30 PM on September 30 until 6:00 AM on October 1. Because actual service resumption times may vary, plan your shipments with ample breathing room right before the switchover.
Summary
Starting in October, Click Post will operate under the premise that all packages must be postable in collection boxes. Counter acceptance remains strictly as an exception, available only if you meet one of the three conditions and keep package thickness at 3 cm or less. When a package cannot be posted, identify the root cause, and handle packages thicker than 3 cm through repacking, alternative postboxes, or different shipping carriers rather than heading to the counter.
Rules and official guidance may change with future updates. Always check the latest announcements before making drop-off or counter decisions.
Rates and conditions verified as of September 19, 2026. The information reflects announced changes taking effect October 1 and differs from current rules.
Related articles: Checking New Click Post Size Limits and Packaging, Fulfillment Readiness Around the Cutover, Shipping Manual for Staff, Shopify × Click Post Shipping Guide
Many merchants also note that on high-volume fulfillment days, the burden isn't just traveling to the post office counter—it's organizing CSV files and manually entering tracking numbers after dispatch. If administrative tasks on busy shipping days are a bottleneck for your store, be sure to check our guides on bulk application procedures and how to automate tracking number fulfillment.
