Bringing Medications to Japan: Customs Rules Explained
Planning a trip to Japan with medicine? This guide explains what you can bring, when you need a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (Import Confirmation), how to apply online, what’s prohibited, and smart packing tips—so you clear customs smoothly and stay healthy on the road.
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Why this matters
Japan has clear border rules for medicines. Some items (like common prescriptions and OTCs) are simple, while others (like ADHD stimulants, certain sleep or anxiety meds, injections, or CBD) have extra steps or are prohibited. The good news: if you prepare the right documents and quantities, entry is straightforward. This article translates the official guidance into plain English, with links to the exact government pages you can trust.
Related reading on our site: Expat Home Medicine Kit and International Patient Services .
The two systems you’ll use at the border
Japan’s medicine rules split into two tracks:
- General medicines and devices
Most prescription drugs, OTCs, quasi-drugs (e.g., some cold remedies), cosmetics, and household medical devices follow the Import Confirmation system run by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Depending on type and quantity, you may need a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (Import Confirmation) to show at customs. Online application is available. - Controlled substances
If your medicine contains a narcotic, a psychotropic, or a stimulants’ raw material, you follow the Narcotics Control Department (NCD) process. Some substances are outright prohibited; others are allowed only with advance permission. Start here if your active ingredient appears on a controlled list.
Helpful internal guide: Navigating Emergency Medical Services in Japan .
Quantities you can bring without Import Confirmation
MHLW states that you do not need Import Confirmation (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) if you stay within all the following limits for personal use:
| Item type | What you can bring without Import Confirmation |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs, poison, deadly poison | Up to 1 month’s supply |
| Injectables and the syringes for them | Up to 1 month’s supply; only pre-filled syringes or self-injection kits |
| Other drugs and quasi-drugs (typical OTCs) | Up to 2 months’ supply |
| Drugs for external use (non-prescription) | Up to 24 units per item |
| Disposable contact lenses | Up to 2 months’ supply |
| Household medical devices | 1 set (e.g., a home massager) |
These thresholds come directly from MHLW’s English guidance. If you exceed them, apply for Import Confirmation before you travel.
Also good to know: The page includes cosmetics (up to 24 units per item) under similar rules.
When you must apply for Yunyu Kakunin-sho
You need Import Confirmation if any of these apply:
- You will carry more than the amounts in the table above.
- Your medicine falls into special categories (see “Designated ingredients” below).
- A customs officer asks for the certificate at arrival (so carry it with you, not in checked bags).
MHLW says you should obtain Import Confirmation before leaving home and show it at customs on arrival. Online application is available through the government portal (in English).
Processing tip: Japan’s Embassy in the U.S. advises applying at least two weeks before travel. If you’re entering via Narita or Haneda, the Kanto-Shin’etsu Regional Bureau handles questions; for Kansai/Chubu/Fukuoka/Naha arrivals, contact the Kinki Regional Bureau
Related on Japan Handbook: After-Hours Healthcare and Late-Night Clinics .
How the online application works
The Application for Import Confirmation portal launched online processing and continues to post updates (English interface available). You can register, complete the form, and download your certificate once approved—no postal mailing required.
Quick steps:
- Register an account (you can use or skip gBizID).
- Choose the category (Import for personal use).
- Upload documents (see checklist below).
- Submit and monitor for updates; print or save the certificate PDF.
Document checklist for Import Confirmation
- Passport name and itinerary
- Product names and active ingredients, strength, and quantities
- Prescription/doctor’s note as applicable
- Product info (label or leaflet)
The MHLW contact emails listed on the guidance page can answer edge cases about general drugs, cosmetics, and devices.
Controlled medicines overview
Some medicines require extra steps or are not allowed at all. Always confirm your active ingredient against Japan’s lists—not just the brand name.
Narcotics and stimulants’ raw materials
- Narcotics (e.g., morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone) and stimulants’ raw materials require advance permission from the NCD before travel. You must carry the medicine yourself and show the import certificate at customs. Mailing is not allowed.
- Japan publishes a prohibited list (e.g., heroin, opium powder, methamphetamine, amphetamine). These cannot enter Japan even with a prescription.
Common traveler question:
- Adderall (amphetamine): Not allowed under any circumstance.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine): Possible with advance permission as a stimulants’ raw material. Start early with NCD.
Important: The NCD guidance explicitly says you should apply at least 14 days before arrival.
If your medicine contains pseudoephedrine: It is listed by NCD under stimulants’ raw materials. If you plan to bring a foreign product that contains pseudoephedrine, confirm requirements with the NCD before travel (Japan also sells some cold medicines domestically, so the import rule is what matters at the border).
Psychotropics
Some sleep and anxiety medicines (e.g., zolpidem, diazepam, clonazepam) are regulated as psychotropics with per-person quantity limits you can carry without special permission (non-injectable forms only). Japan publishes a table of maximum amounts by substance. Examples from the official table:
| Active ingredient | Max amount you can carry without special permission |
|---|---|
| Zolpidem | 300 mg total |
| Zopiclone | 300 mg total |
| Diazepam | 1.2 g total |
| Clonazepam | 180 mg total |
| Methylphenidate | 2.16 g total |
Related reading: Top English-Speaking Hospitals in Tokyo .
CBD, cannabis-derived products and hemp items
Japan’s Cannabis Control Act and related rules are strict. Cannabis products require import permission issued by MHLW and coordinated with the Narcotics Control Department; without prior clearance, such goods are stopped. For travelers, the safest approach is do not bring CBD unless you have explicit written permission in hand.
“Designated ingredients” and nootropic products
Japan flags certain ingredients—often marketed overseas as brain boosters or for mental performance—as designated pharmaceutical ingredients. MHLW states that products containing these ingredients cannot be imported if they are promoted for mental/cognitive effects unless used under a doctor’s prescription or instruction; the ministry links a list (e.g., piracetam, vinpocetine, modafinil-related classes, DHEA/pregnenolone, and others). If you rely on any such products, plan to carry a prescription and confirm with MHLW first.
What to pack and how to present at customs
- Keep medicines in original packaging with the pharmacy label visible.
- Carry a doctor’s letter that states your diagnosis, the drug name and dosage, and that it is medically necessary for you during travel. (NCD lists the exact info they expect in a medical certificate.)
- Place your medicine and any Import Confirmation or NCD permission in your carry-on.
- Declare at customs and show the certificate when asked. For controlled medicines, you must carry them yourself—you cannot mail them to Japan or have someone else carry them on your behalf.
Money & paperwork tip: See National Health Insurance Basics for how prescriptions are handled once you’re living in Japan.
Quick decision tool
Use this flow to decide your next step:
- Is it a narcotic, psychotropic, or stimulants’ raw material?
Check the NCD lists and FAQ first. If yes, follow NCD procedures (some are prohibited; others need permission). - If not controlled, are you under the MHLW quantity limits?
If yes, carry your medicine in original packaging—no Import Confirmation needed. If no, apply for Yunyu Kakunin-sho online before travel. - Does your product appear on the “designated ingredient” list or make brain/mental claims?
If yes, be cautious—MHLW restricts such imports unless they are used under a doctor’s prescription/instruction.
Common traveler scenarios and how to handle them
Insulin pens, GLP-1 pens, and EpiPens
Prefilled or self-injection kits are allowed up to one month’s supply without Import Confirmation; bring your prescription and consider applying if you need more.
ADHD medications
- Adderall (amphetamine): Not allowed into Japan.
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine): Allowed only with advance permission from NCD; apply at least 14 days before arrival with a doctor’s letter and dosage details.
Sleeping pills and anxiety meds
Drugs such as zolpidem and benzodiazepines are psychotropics with specific gram/mg caps per traveler (non-injectable). Check the official table; if you need more than the listed amount, get NCD permission in advance.
Cold medicines with pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is listed by NCD as a stimulants’ raw material for import purposes; confirm requirements before bringing foreign products that contain it.
Hormones and supplements like DHEA or pregnenolone
These appear on the designated ingredients list; importing products advertised for mental enhancement can be restricted. If medically necessary, travel with a prescription and consider applying for Import Confirmation.
Contact lenses
You can bring a 2-month supply of disposable lenses without Import Confirmation.
CBD oils or gummies
Treat as high-risk items at the border; do not bring unless you have explicit written permission arranged with NCD in advance.
Health planning tip: If you’ll stay long-term, set up care locally and transfer prescriptions. Our Health & Medical hub has guides for After-Hours Healthcare and Top English-Speaking Hospitals in Tokyo .
How to fill out the right application
A) Import Confirmation (MHLW)
When: For general medicines/devices above the no-paperwork limits, or for items MHLW flags (e.g., designated ingredients).
Where to apply: Application for Import Confirmation portal.
What to prepare:
- Application details: item names, active ingredients and strength, quantities, dates of entry.
- Support documents: prescription/doctor’s instruction (if applicable), product leaflet or photo of the label, travel itinerary.
- Timing: Aim for two weeks before travel (earlier if possible).
Who to email for questions (by arrival airport):
- Narita/Haneda and nearby: [email protected] (Kanto-Shin’etsu Regional Bureau)
- Kansai/Chubu/Fukuoka/Naha and nearby: [email protected] (Kinki Regional Bureau)
B) Controlled medicines permission (NCD)
When: For narcotics or stimulants’ raw materials (e.g., morphine, lisdexamfetamine), and for psychotropics beyond table limits or in injectable form.
Where to apply: The Narcotics Control Department office that covers your arrival airport; check the published office list. Apply ≥14 days before arrival.
What to prepare:
- NCD application form (import; and export if you’ll leave with leftovers)
- Doctor’s medical certificate listing your diagnosis, the specific necessity, each drug name, strength, and dose, signature, and an issue date within three months
- Photos/labels showing the medicine name and strength
Email the documents; you must carry the medicine yourself and show the IMPORT CERTIFICATE at customs.
Table of paperwork by medicine type
| Medicine category | Examples | Paperwork if at/under limits | Paperwork if over limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription, non-controlled | Blood pressure pills, thyroid meds | None | Import Confirmation (MHLW) |
| Injectables (prefilled/self-injection) | Insulin pens, EpiPen | None up to 1 month | Import Confirmation (MHLW) |
| OTC and quasi-drugs | Cold meds, indigestion tabs | None up to 2 months | Import Confirmation (MHLW) |
| External OTC drugs | Creams, ointments | None up to 24 units | Import Confirmation (MHLW) |
| Disposable contact lenses | Daily/weekly lenses | None up to 2 months | Import Confirmation (MHLW) |
| Narcotics / stimulants’ raw materials | Morphine, lisdexamfetamine | Permission required even below limits | Permission required (NCD) |
| Psychotropics (table limits) | Zolpidem, diazepam | None if ≤ table amount | Docs/permission (see NCD) |
| Prohibited | Adderall (amphetamine), heroin | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring the certificate even if I’m under the limits?
If you’re within the listed limits, MHLW says Import Confirmation isn’t required. Still, keep medicines in original boxes and carry a prescription/doctor’s note for clarity.
Can I ship my medicine to Japan in advance?
For controlled medicines (narcotics, stimulants’ raw materials, psychotropics beyond limits), no—you must carry them yourself; mailing is not allowed. For other medicines, ask MHLW before attempting shipment.
What if my medication is on the designated ingredient list?
MHLW restricts imports of products advertised for mental or cognitive effects unless used per doctor’s prescription/instruction. Apply for Import Confirmation and travel with a prescription.
My medication is legal at home—why isn’t it in Japan?
Japan’s schedules and limits differ. Adderall is prohibited; Vyvanse can be permitted with NCD approval. Always check the active ingredient against Japan’s official lists (not brand names).
How early should I apply?
For Import Confirmation (MHLW), embassies recommend at least two weeks before departure. For NCD permission, apply ≥14 days before arrival; earlier is safer.
Who can I email with questions?
- General drugs/cosmetics/devices: [email protected] (Kanto-Shin’etsu) or [email protected] (Kinki)
- Controlled substances: contact the NCD office for your arrival airport.
Planning long-term care? Read Japanese National Health Insurance Basics and After-Hours Healthcare .
Avoid these common mistakes
- Assuming brand = allowed. Always check the ingredient. Japan regulates by ingredient and schedule.
- Packing injections loosely. Only prefilled or self-injection kits are covered by the standard one-month rule without paperwork.
- Forgetting to apply. If you exceed the MHLW limits, apply for Import Confirmation; if your drug is controlled, get NCD permission.
- Mailing controlled meds. NCD says you must carry them; mailing is not permitted.
- Bringing CBD casually. Without explicit permission, expect trouble at the border; play it safe and don’t bring it.
Simple packing and paperwork checklist
- List your medicines with active ingredients and daily dose.
- Check the category: general (MHLW) vs controlled (NCD).
- Compare your quantities against the no-paperwork limits. If over, apply for Import Confirmation online.
- If controlled, start NCD permission ≥14 days before arrival and collect the doctor’s certificate with all required details.
- Pack original boxes and labels, plus your certificate(s) in carry-on. Be ready to declare at customs.
If you do forget something: Japan has many clinics and English-capable hospitals in big cities. See Top English-Speaking Hospitals in Tokyo and After-Hours Healthcare to get care locally.
Reference table of key limits and contacts
| Topic | Where the rule is published |
|---|---|
| 1-month Rx limit; 2-month OTC limit; 24 external units; injectables 1 month, prefilled/self-injection only | MHLW “Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan” (English) |
| Import Confirmation available online; portal link | MHLW guidance and Application for Import Confirmation portal (English) |
| NCD categories, prohibited list, Adderall ban and Vyvanse permission | NCD Application Guidance & FAQ (English) |
| Psychotropic table amounts (e.g., zolpidem 300 mg, diazepam 1.2 g) | NCD psychotropics table (English PDF) |
| Must carry controlled meds yourself; mailing not allowed | NCD Application Guidance notes (English) |
| Embassy timing advice and contact routing by airport | Embassy of Japan (U.S.) page updated July 11, 2025 (English) |
| Cannabis/CBD needs prior permission | Tokyo Customs notice on Cannabis Control Act (English) |
Final word
Bring only what you need, learn which track your medicine falls under, and apply early if paperwork is required. With your Yunyu Kakunin-sho or NCD permission ready—and medicines packed in original boxes—you’ll clear Japanese customs with confidence.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
