Bringing Medicine to Japan (2026): Banned Ingredients, Quantity Limits & the Import Certificate
✍️ wicwic editorial team · verified Oct 12, 2026
The short answer
Japan has some of the strictest medicine-import rules in the world, and it judges by active ingredient, not by brand name. Common Western cold remedies (Sudafed, Actifed, Vicks inhalers) contain pseudoephedrine — a stimulants' raw material that is effectively prohibited for travelers — and Adderall is banned outright, even with a prescription. In short: check the ingredient list of every medicine before packing, stay within the quantity limits, and apply for the import certificate (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) ahead of time if you exceed them.
Absolutely prohibited — do not pack these
- Adderall and other amphetamine-based stimulants: banned outright under the Stimulants Control Act, even with a valid foreign prescription. US travelers have been jailed for bringing it.
- Pseudoephedrine OTC products: Sudafed, Actifed, Vicks inhalers and similar cold/sinus/allergy remedies are classified as stimulants' raw materials and are prohibited/illegal to bring (multiple consulates publish this warning).
- Codeine cough syrups (when codeine is the active ingredient) and cannabis/CBD products — as of June 1, 2026, CBN is also prohibited.
- Heroin, opium, methamphetamine and methaqualone: no individual traveler may import these under any circumstances.
Quantity limits (no certificate needed, personal use)
| Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs | 1 month's supply |
| OTC drugs & vitamins | 2 months' supply |
| External-use drugs/cosmetics | 24 pieces per item |
| Medical devices (e.g. inhaler) | 1 set |
Exceeding these requires the Yunyu Kakunin-sho import certificate (formerly "Yakkan Shoumei"), obtained before travel — it cannot be issued at the airport.
Medicines that need advance permission (any quantity)
- Narcotics (morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, codeine, tramadol, hydrocodone…): advance permission from the Narcotics Control Department / Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare is mandatory.
- Stimulants' raw materials (e.g. lisdexamfetamine/Vyvanse): advance permission required.
- Psychotropics (diazepam, alprazolam, zolpidem, methylphenidate…): no advance permission below quantity thresholds (e.g. diazepam ≤1.2 g), but exceeding one month's supply requires the import certificate.
How to apply for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho
- Apply at least 14 days before travel (2–4 weeks recommended).
- Submit to the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare covering your arrival airport (Narita/Haneda → Kanto-Shinetsu Bureau).
- Documents: a doctor's certificate issued within 3 months stating your name, address and the specific medical condition ("for personal use" is rejected), the medicine list with doses, doctor's signature and date; plus packaging photos and passport/prescription.
- Carry the medicine yourself in original packaging, show the certificate at customs, and use the red declare lane if carrying any controlled substance.
Traditional Chinese medicine (中成药): judged by ingredient
For Chinese/Taiwan travelers the rule is the same — ingredient by ingredient: preparations containing ephedra (麻黄), ephedrine/pseudoephedrine, musk (麝香), toad venom (蟾酥), tiger bone, rhino horn or bear bile are prohibited or restricted. Ordinary tonic-style formulas without restricted ingredients are fine within personal-use quantities. Keep original packaging; unlabeled loose pills may be confiscated.
Practical tips
- Keep original packaging + inserts; never carry loose, unlabeled tablets.
- Carry the prescription (ideally with English/Japanese translation) for any prescription drug.
- Declare honestly: tick the medicines box on the customs declaration (you can do it in advance via Visit Japan Web). Voluntary declaration of a mistake won't be fined; concealment can be.
- Don't exceed personal-use quantities — the excess is confiscated and serious cases face fines.
- Medicines cannot be resold or given away in Japan.
FAQ
Is Sudafed really banned? Yes — pseudoephedrine products are classified as stimulants' raw materials and are prohibited for travelers per multiple official consulate pages. Use Japanese OTC alternatives bought locally instead.
I take ADHD medication (Adderall/Vyvanse). Adderall is prohibited, period. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) needs advance permission — start the application weeks before your trip, or discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Can I bring my blood-pressure pills? Ordinary prescription medicine is fine up to 1 month's supply in original packaging with the prescription. More than 1 month → apply for the import certificate.
What happens if I'm caught with a banned ingredient? At minimum confiscation; controlled stimulants/narcotics can lead to arrest and criminal charges — treat ingredient checks seriously.
Sources: MHLW "Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan", Narcotics Control Department application guidance & FAQ, Consulates-General of Japan in Miami/Calgary medical pages, Japan Customs personal-import FAQ.