Do this now
Follow these steps in order.
- 01
List the active ingredient, strength, form and total quantity of every medicine.
- 02
Check the MHLW personal-import guidance and controlled-substance guidance.
- 03
Apply for an Import Confirmation or controlled-drug permission if the official guidance requires it.
- 04
Travel with medicine in its original packaging and carry supporting prescription or doctor information where appropriate.
What to know
Why the brand name is not enough
A familiar medicine may use a different formula in another country. Japanese controls apply to the substance and quantity, so compare the active ingredient and concentration shown on your label.
What to know
Personal use still has limits
Japan permits some medicines for personal use within stated conditions, but certain quantities or product types require Import Confirmation. Narcotics, stimulants and other controlled substances have separate restrictions and application routes.
What to know
Apply early when permission is required
Do not wait until the airport. Use the responsible authority’s current instructions, submit complete information and carry the issued documentation in the way the authority specifies.
If that does not work
Use the fallback.
- If an ingredient is not clearly covered, ask the relevant Japanese authority before travel.
- Do not mail medicine separately or substitute a similar product without checking the same rules.
Before you need it
Save this offline.
- Ingredient and dose list
- Prescription or doctor letter
- Import Confirmation or permit if required
- Authority contact and application reference
Primary evidence
Official sources used
Open these pages again before travel. External links lead to the responsible Japanese authority or transport organization.
