When traveling to a different country, it\u2019s important to note the laws regarding import of medicine. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan (MHLW) splits information about bringing in medication for personal use into four groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drugs, Quasi Drugs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding prescription medication, according to the MHLW’s website<\/a>, you may bring up to 1 months’ worth of prescription drugs without having to apply for an import confirmation as long as the drugs do not contain any designated pharmaceutical ingredients<\/a>. However, we recommend you read the guidelines carefully, including the FAQs, and use them to assess your situation. Regardless of the amount, we still recommend obtaining an import confirmation<\/a> to guarantee access to your medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also highly recommend you confirm any questions (including if you could get a similar prescription in Japan) with the MHLW directly. Any inquiries submitted in English will receive a reply in English. Please kindly note Relo Japan cannot inquire on behalf as a third party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inquiries should be submitted directly to the authority of your arrival airport as they will be checking your paperwork upon arrival to Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Place of Arrival:<\/em> Cosmetics<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike prescription medications, importing cosmetics is more straightforward. You may bring up to 24 pieces of the same item, regardless of color or brand. (E.g. you may bring up to 24 lipsticks.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical Devices<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical devices for personal use may be brought into Japan without an import confirmation as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If further amount is required, then you must apply for an import confirmation<\/a> to bring the items into Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Narcotics, Psychotropics<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is strictly prohibited to bring narcotics and psychotropics, including medical marijuana, into Japan. If you require medication with any narcotic or psychotropics for medical reasons, you must obtain prior approval from the Narcotics Control Department. Failure to obtain prior approval can result in confiscation and arrest\/deportation upon arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note medications including any of the following substances cannot be imported, regardless of prescription status in your home country:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For further details regarding approved substances and the application process, please refer directly to the Narcotics Control Department\u2019s website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Narita Airport and Haneda Airport
Kanto-Shin\u2019etsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare
TEL: +81-48-740-0800
e-mail: yakkan@mhlw.go.jp<\/a>
Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair (Nagoya), etc.
Kinki Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare
TEL: +81-6-6942-4096
e-mail: kiyakuji@mhlw.go.jp<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
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