Bringing Medication

For regulations, visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. For more information and application forms, visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's official Q&A for bringing medicines into Japan (procedures of bringing medicines into Japan).

An importer of medication (drug, quasi-drug, cosmetic or medical device) for business purposes needs a License from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law.

There is no need for a License for individual's importing or bringing medication into Japan for personal use. An individual can import the following restricted quantities of medication without special procedures. Medication imported or brought into Japan for personal use must not be sold or given to others. Travelers should bring a script as well as a letter for each drug's name and purpose from their doctors.

Drug or Quasi-drug: Up to 2 months' supply

Poisonous drug, Powerful drug or Prescription Drug : Up to 1 month's supply

Drug or Quasi-drug for External Use (excluding Poisonous drug, Powerful drug or prescription drug) : Up to 24 pieces
Note: A quasi-drug is a product that has restricted purpose of use,has a mild action on the human body, and is not categorized as a medical device (e.g. hair tonics, bath preparations, etc.)
Note: For external use indicates a product such as an ointment or eye drops.

Cosmetic : Up to 24 pieces per item

Medical Device (for home use only) : 1 set (e.g. electric massager)

Note: To import more than the allotted amount, or to bring prohibited items (such as syringes), a yakkan shomei (medication import) document must be applied for and approved prior to intended trip. For more about the Yakkan Shomei and to access the needed application files, please see the Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare Q&A (procedures of bringing medicines into Japan).

II. Import Prohibited or Restricted Drugs

Import of stimulants (Amphetamine, Metamphetamine, etc.) is prohibited by the Stimulants Control Law. An importer of Narcotics, Psychotropic drugs needs a license from the Director-General Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law, a contact point for the application of the Narcotics Control Department of the Bureau.

In accordance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), import of drugs including the following substances is restricted.

1. Rhinoceros horn
2. Musk
3. Tiger bones
4. Fel Ursi etc.

It is illegal to bring into Japan some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants (medicines that contain Pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers), or Codeine are prohibited. Up to a two-months' supply of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a four-months' supply of allowable vitamins can be brought into Japan duty-free.

Some popular medications legal in the U.S., such as Prozac and Viagra, are sold illegally in Japan on the black market. You are subject to arrest and imprisonment if you purchase such drugs illegally while in Japan.

III. Further Reference

Japanese physicians can often prescribe similar, but not identical, substitutes to medicines available in the U.S. A list of English-speaking medical facilities throughout Japan is available here. A Japanese doctor, consulted by phone in advance, is also a good source of information on medications available and/or permitted in Japan.

If you need to bring more than the restricted quantity of medication into Japan for personal use, and you plan to arrive at one of the following airports, please contact the following Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:45 PM)

Tokyo (Narita) International Airport (Kantou-Shinetsu office)
Phone : +81-48-740-0800
Fax : +81-48-601-1336

Kansai International Airport (Kinki office)
Phone : +81-6-6942-4096
Fax : +81-6-6942-2472

Naha International Airport (Okinawa branch office)
Phone : +81-98-854-2584
Fax : +81-98-834-8978

Regarding Narcotics, Psychotropic drugs, Stimulants etc., please contact the following office by Facsimile :

Charge of Opium of Compliance and Narcotics Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Fax : +81-3-3501-0034

Regarding CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)., please contact the following office :

Trade Licencing Division, Trade Control department, Trade and economic cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry
Phone : +81-3-3501-1659

日本語版→ http://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/0104/tp0401-1.html