Bringing Medicine, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics for Personal Use into Japan
2023/11/7
Bringing medications and/or medical devices into Japan is subject to control by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and the Customs Law, and is regulated by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
Depending on the type and amount of medication you intend to bring, you may need to apply for permission/certification in advance from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
The importation of some common medications and over-the-counter drugs into Japan may be prohibited, even if they are prescribed or legal in the United States.
All travelers are encouraged to check the websites of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and Narcotics Control Department before traveling to Japan.
The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is unable to provide information pertaining to specific medicines. This information is available only from the governmental authorities in Japan, and is subject to change.
Depending on the type and amount of medication you intend to bring, you may need to apply for permission/certification in advance from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
The importation of some common medications and over-the-counter drugs into Japan may be prohibited, even if they are prescribed or legal in the United States.
All travelers are encouraged to check the websites of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and Narcotics Control Department before traveling to Japan.
The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is unable to provide information pertaining to specific medicines. This information is available only from the governmental authorities in Japan, and is subject to change.
1. Controlled Substances – Narcotics, Psychotropics, Stimulants, etc.
When you enter or leave Japan with medications containing controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics, stimulants, etc.), you need to acquire permission in advance.
Some medications and controlled substances may not be imported to Japan, even if prescribed or legal in the United States.
The ability to import controlled substances for personal use and the application process to obtain permission depends on the type of medication and is regulated by the Narcotics Control Department at the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare closest to your airport of arrival in Japan. Please check the following link which includes classification lists, procedures, and application documents.
Some medications and controlled substances may not be imported to Japan, even if prescribed or legal in the United States.
The ability to import controlled substances for personal use and the application process to obtain permission depends on the type of medication and is regulated by the Narcotics Control Department at the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare closest to your airport of arrival in Japan. Please check the following link which includes classification lists, procedures, and application documents.
2. Yunyu Kakunin-sho – Quantity-based Import Certificate
Depending on the duration of your visit and the amount of medication you intend to bring into Japan, you may need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho, a kind of import certificate. You must receive this form before you travel to Japan and declare it to the Customs officer upon arrival into Japan. The application for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho should be submitted to Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare closest to your airport of arrival in Japan.
For details regarding the application for Yunyu Kakunin-sho, please refer to the following links:
Please be advised that you should apply for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho at least 2 weeks in advance of your travel date to Japan.
For details regarding the application for Yunyu Kakunin-sho, please refer to the following links:
Please be advised that you should apply for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho at least 2 weeks in advance of your travel date to Japan.