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Introduction

Japan has strict laws regarding the importation of medication. Before traveling to Japan, you should check if your medication is allowed in the country. This article give you tips and information about what not to bring to Japan.

Summary

Traveling to Japan? Here’s what you need to know about bringing medication:

  1. General Medication Import Rules: You can bring medications for personal use if it’s a one-month supply. This is for you own use only. You can’t bring medication for someone else not present with you.

  2. Specifics on Narcotics and Psychotropics: You need special permission to bring narcotics (like morphine or oxycodone). Without permission, importing or exporting these for addiction treatment is not allowed. Drugs like heroin, opium, methamphetamine, and cannabis are strictly banned in any form (even for medical use).

  3. Prescription Medications: A prescription is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. If you have a prescription, bring it with you. If you want to be extra careful, bring a translated version of your prescription.

  4. Yunyu Kakunin-sho Certificate: Need more than the allowed amount of medication? Get a “Yunyu Kakunin-sho” certificate before you travel and show it with your prescription at Japanese customs. You will need more than one month to apply for this certificate, so plan ahead.

  5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Customs officers are used to dealing with these situations. If you just bring a small amount of medication, you should be fine. Most of common medication are allowed in Japan.

For more information, please refer to the unfriendly website:

Private importation of drugs, cosmetics, etc.

Before going further: Consequences

Please make sure to not finish like this

Please keep in mind that the consequences could be very serious and the excuses “I didn’t know” or “I didn’t think it was a big deal” will not be accepted.

  1. Confiscation and Possible Punishment: Items prohibited by Japanese law, including certain medications, will be confiscated if brought into Japan. Violators may face legal punishment or even be denied entry into the country. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse.

  2. Prohibited Items: Bringing prohibited items into Japan can result in their confiscation and destruction, and there is a possibility of legal punishment for such actions.

  3. Limits on Medication: You’re allowed to bring a limited quantity of medication and quasi-drugs to Japan, typically up to two months’ supply, or one month’s supply for prescription drugs. Exceeding these limits requires undergoing necessary procedures with Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Saying not to worry too much after saying that is a bit contradictory, but many people bring medication to Japan without any problem. If you have any doubt, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country.

Common medication not allowed to bring in Japan

Codeine is not allowed to bring in Japan

Most medications are allowed in Japan: antibiotics, painkillers, anti-inflammatory, etc. However, some medications are strictly forbidden in Japan. Here is a non-exhaustive list of medication that are not allowed in Japan:

  1. Codeine
  2. Medications containing stimulant substances, such as certain ADHD medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine. Ritalin, however, may be allowed under specific conditions with proper documentation and permissions.
  3. Strong painkillers and opioids, including hydrocodone and oxycodone, are heavily regulated. Carrying these without proper permission is illegal.
  4. All forms of cannabis, including marijuana and products containing CBD, are illegal in Japan. This includes medications derived from cannabis.
  5. Certain medications used to treat psychiatric conditions, such as some antidepressants and antipsychotics, may be restricted. It’s advisable to carry a copy of the prescription and a doctor’s note for these medications.
  6. Chinese herbal medicines containing ingredients from species such as musk deer and bear.
  7. Vicks Inhaler containing L-Desoxyephedrine.
  8. Tylenol Cold + Flu.
  9. Nyquil and Nyquil Liquicaps (Dristan Sinus).
  10. Advil Cold and Sinus (regular Advil and Advil PM are not prohibited)

For the full list, you can check the below link. Keep it mind that many molecules names are cited and you will need to know the molecule name of your medication, so a little research will be needed. If you have any doubt, contact them or/and your doctor.

Narcotics Control Department

Yunyu Kakunin-sho and how to get it

The Yunyu Kakunin-sho is a certificate that allows you to bring more than one month of medication or/and medication that allows you to bring some additional medication or more than one month prescription. Please keep in mind that it doesn’t allow you to bring medication that are forbidden in Japan. Look at the previous section for more information.

Yunyu Kakunin-sho Certificate instructions