Due to regulatory nuances within Japan’s healthcare system, importing necessary medications for an extended stay can be a complex process. This guide draws on official guidelines and insights from our language students to assist travelers in navigating this challenge effectively.

Important Steps before the Trip

Knowledge is power – and in the case of importing medication, you quickly realize that the process is not that difficult if you know the requirements and how best to approach this issue. To make this step easier for you and to make your preparations as stress-free as possible, we have clearly listed all the steps you need to follow below.

A detailed Q&A from the Japanese health authority can also be found here. We recommend that travelers read through the article at their leisure over a hot cup of green tea, as many questions are already answered here.

Listed Medicines

An accompanying letter from your doctor is typically necessary for preparing the required medication list. This allows you to bring in a supply for up to one month. For medications not included on this list, such as those requiring an import permit (“Yunyuu Kakunin-sho”), you must apply for the necessary documentation. This also applies if you intend to import more than one month’s supply.

You should first check whether the medicine is on the list of medicines subject to import issued by the Japanese Consulate General. This list is updated regularly and is an important point of reference for planning. Common preparations such as ibuprofen, for example, may also be imported without notification for a period of use of up to two months.

General Requirements for the Import of Medicines

In order to import medicine into Japan, certain rules and procedures must be followed, which are laid down by the Japanese Ministry of Health. Imports are subject to both the Medicines Act and the Customs Act in order to prevent health risks from defective products. Careful preparations should therefore be made for the import, especially for longer language stays. The specific requirements depend on the type of medication:

  1. Prescription drugs and certain other types: An import permit (“Yunyu Kakunin-sho”) is generally required for the import of prescription drugs, poisons, lethal poisons, drugs for external use (excluding poison and lethal poisons) and syringes for drugs. However, there are exceptions for certain quantities, such as up to one month’s supply for prescription drugs and up to two months’ supply for other drugs.
  2. Cosmetics: Similar rules apply to the import of cosmetics as to medicines. Up to 24 units of an article can be imported without an import permit.
  3. Medical devices: Medical devices intended for personal use, such as electric massage devices, can be imported in certain quantities without an import permit.
  4. Narcotics and psychotropics: The import of narcotics and psychotropics is strictly regulated. Import is only permitted with the prior approval of the Japanese government and appropriate proof, such as a doctor’s prescription.

For the online application for the import permit and further information, please visit the website of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

The Federal Foreign Office also provides general information on import regulations in Japan, such as bans on the import of weapons, drugs and certain products of animal origin. For more detailed information on specific import regulations, you should consult the relevant official websites: Federal Foreign Office – Import regulations in Japan.

Importing medicines into Japan

The application Process for the Import Permit

Contacting the Consulate General: You can submit your request via the e-mail address yakkan@mhlw.go.jp and will usually receive a prompt reply.

Online application: In the next step you will be asked to submit an online application on the website of the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare. Here it is important to know in which area of Japan you will be staying, as different regional authorities are responsible.

Completing the application: The application requires detailed information about the medication and personal needs. Fortunately, the process is clear and easy to understand.

Confirmation of the import permit: Once the application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an import permit which must be presented on entry.

Important Tips and Advice

Timely planning: Start planning early, as the process can take some time.

Communication with authorities: Be proactive in communicating with the Japanese authorities and make sure that all required documents are complete and correct.

Check the list of medicines: The list of medicines subject to import should be checked regularly, as the regulations may change.

Consult your doctor: Consult your doctor to ensure that you have all the necessary medical documents and certificates.

In conclusion, importing medicines into Japan requires careful preparation and compliance with local laws and regulations. However, with good planning and adherence to official procedures, the process can be managed smoothly and without major difficulties. The personal experiences of travelers offer valuable insights into the application process and how to effectively prepare for a stay in Japan if you are dependent on regular medication.

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