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Importing or Bringing Medication into Japan for Personal Use
Decisions on what medications may be imported legally into Japan are made by the Japanese
Government, and unfortunately the limited information we have available at the American
Embassy and our Consulates does not include comphrehensive lists of specific medications or
ingredients. This information is available only from the Japanese authorities, and subject to
change.
Over-The-Counter Medicines
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.
Prescription Medications
Some U.S. prescription medications cannot be imported into Japan, even when accompanied by a
customs declaration and a copy of the prescription. Japanese customs officials have detained
travelers carrying prohibited items, sometimes for several weeks. Japanese customs officials
do not make on-the-spot "humanitarian" exceptions for medicines that are prohibited in Japan.
Generally, up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine can be brought into Japan.
Travelers must bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the
purpose of the drug. Travelers who must carry more than one month's supply, or are carrying
syringes, may be required to fill out a customs declaration form before entering Japan.
To obtain the customs declaration form before you leave, or for more information on taking
medication into Japan, contact the Embassy of Japan's Economic Section 202-238-6700 or at
www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/consulat.htm. The American Embassy and our Consulates in
Japan do not stock these forms.
Other Important Information
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 elsewhere on our
web site. A Japanese doctor, consulted by phone in advance, is also a good source of
information on medications available and/or permitted in Japan.
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.
Learning More
Persons traveling to Japan carrying prescription and non-prescription medications should
consult the Japanese Embassy, or a Japanese Consulate, in the United States before leaving
the U.S. to confirm whether they will be allowed to bring the particular medication into Japan. A full listing of phone numbers and email addresses is available at www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/consulat.htm .
Other Government of Japan sources of information are included on the web site of the
Compliance and Narcotics Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health,
Labor and Welfare at
www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/import/index.html under the heading "Importing or Bringing
Medication into Japan for Personal Use."
Limited general information is also available from the Japanese Embassy in the U.S. at
www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/faq/travel.htm#6.
For more information, including our phone and FAX number, please contact the
office serving your part of Japan.
The U.S. Embassy and our Consulates are closed on both U.S. and Japanese holidays.
This is an official source of U.S. Government information on the Web. Inclusion of Non-U.S. Government links or information does not imply endorsement of contents.
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