When planning your trip to Japan, do you check what you can and cannot take into the country?
Did you know that there are certain medicines that are prohibited and controlled in Japan?
The prohibited and controlled medicines are namely those that contain stimulants such as methamphetamine, narcotics and psychotropics. Providing your medicine does not contain any such drug, then you should be able to take your medicine to Japan without any problem.
Before heading to Japan with medicine you should check the website of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare here: http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/
There is a useful document entitled ‘Q&A for those who are bringing medicine into Japan’. In summary, as long as your medicine does not contain any controlled or prohibited ingredients (namely Amphetamine, Codeine, Ephedrine, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Pethidine, and Pseudoephedrine), or is equal or less than the stated allowed amount of psychotropic you can take one month’s supply of prescription drugs into Japan without any special procedures.
However, if your medicine does contain any of these ingredients, you will have to apply for special permission to take it in (and out) of Japan.
Check out this link for more information and the special permission application form: http://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/dl_
Your completed application form needs to be posted to the nearest Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare to where you are arriving in Japan.
If you are still unclear, it is recommended to contact a Pharmaceutical Inspector at the nearest Bureau of Health and Welfare to your arrival airport.
If you are arriving in Narita International Airport you should contact the Kanto-Shine’estu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare: yakkan-shomei@mhlw.go.jp
If you are arriving in Okinawa Naha airport you should contact the Okinawa Narcotics Control Office: okinawa-yakuji@mhlw.go.jp
Again, check the website of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare here: http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/
Safe and happy travels! 🙂
Follow us on social media:
Join our Facebook group today for our weekly conversation club.
Sign up here for free language resources for learners. I give you study tips and strategies for learning Japanese and improving your Japanese language fluency. Plus you will receive occasional invitations to our online Conversation Club.
Grab a badge to wear and find Japanese speakers in your community.
Let’s speak, increase confidence, fluency and all around Joy in Japanese!
FTC Disclosure. I participate in affiliate advertising programs for products and services I believe in. By purchasing through my affiliate links, you are supporting my ability to provide you with free language learning content.
Recent Comments