1 August, 2000

• An importer of medication (drug, 'quasi-drug (Iyakubugaihin)', cosmetic or medical device) for business purposes needs a License from the Minister for Health 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.
  
  1. Drug or 'Iyakubugaihin'(quasi-drug) : Up to 2 months' supply
     
     • Prescription Drug : Up to 1 month's supply
       
     • Vitamin : Up to 4 months' supply
       
     • Drug or 'Iyakubugaihin' for External Use (excluding prescription drug) : Up to 24 pieces

       Note )
       Iyakubugaihin (quasi-drug) :
       

       'Iyakubugaihin' 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.

       For external use :
       

       e.g.) ointments, eye drops etc.

  2. Cosmetic : Up to 24 pieces per item
     

  3. Medical Device (for home use only) : 1 set
     

     e.g.) Electric massager

Import Prohibited Drugs

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

  e.g.)
  1. Rhinoceros horn
  2. Musk
  3. Tiger bones etc.

• Import of stimulants (Amfetamine and Metamfetamine) is prohibited.
  

Further Reference

• If you need to bring more than the restricted quantity of medication into Japan for personal use, or need further information, please contact the following office during business hours (Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 17: 45 JST)
  
  • Inspection and Guidance Division, Pharmaceutical and Medical Safety Bureau, Ministry of
    Health and Welfare
    
    Phone : +81-3-[現在ご利用いただけません], ext. 2768
    Fax : +81-3-3503-1043
• 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 appropriate Inspection and Guidance Division branch office:
  
  • Nagoya International Airport (Nagoya office)
    
    Phone : +81-52-661-4134
    Fax : +81-52-661-4136
  • Kansai International Airport (Kansai Airport office)
    
    Phone : +81-724-55-1284
    Fax : +81-724-55-1295
  • Naha International Airport (Naha office)
    
    Phone : +81-98-854-2584
    Fax : +81-98-854-2584
• Regarding Narcotics, Psychotropic drugs etc., please contact the following office :
  
  • Narcotics Division, Pharmaceutical and Medical Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health and Welfare
    
    Phone : +81-3-[現在ご利用いただけません], (ext. 2780 or 2784)
    Fax : +81-3-3501-0034
• Regarding CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)., please contact the following office :
  
  • Import Division, International Trade Administration Bureau, Ministry of Iternational Trade and Industry
    Phone : +81-3-3501-1660