List of Banned and Restricted Medications in Japan (Late 2025, Early 2026 Guide)

Disclaimer: Information may change. Please confirm with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) before traveling.

Traveling to Japan? If you take prescription or over-the-counter medication, there’s some important housekeeping to do. The Japanese rules around bringing medicine into the country are stricter than many travellers expect. Both prescription drugs and common over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be restricted, controlled or even banned. The last thing you want to happen when heading for your dream trip to Japan is to land yourself in hot water!

This guide lays out what is banned, what is restricted, and how to bring permitted medication safely. For full details on the import process (quantities, certificates, etc), also see our main guide on bringing medicine into Japan.

1. Why does Japan restrict certain medicines

Japan’s import and control of pharmaceuticals are regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), and the laws include the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and the Customs Law.

• Certain drugs are classed as narcotics, psychotropics, stimulants, or stimulants’ raw materials, and may be prohibited entirely for import unless very specific permission is obtained
• Even for medications that are allowed, there are strict quantity limits and procedures (e.g., you may need a certificate).
• Some medications that are freely available in other countries (especially OTC cold, allergy or sinus meds) contain ingredients that fall under Japan’s controlled-substance laws. That means they may be illegal to bring in — even if you have a prescription or bought them legally elsewhere.

In short, the key is to focus not on brand name alone, but on active ingredients, quantity, packaging, and import category.

2. Which medications can you bring into Japan?

Here are examples of medication types and active ingredients that are strictly prohibited for personal import into Japan without special permission. If you are taking anything similar, you’ll need to check carefully.

Narcotics:
Examples of which include: Morphine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Codeine, and Tapentadol. These medications are strictly controlled, and the import of such or the possession of such, without a narcotic import license, is illegal. Even if prescribed abroad, these require prior authorization through Japan’s Narcotics Control Department (via the Narcotics Control Division, Kanto-Shin’etsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare).

When submitting your application form with an electronic signature, note this in your email. Enter your Japan arrival and departure dates in the “Time of entry/departure” section. If you plan to take leftover medicine back home, submit an export application form; if not, state that in your email. In the “Reason for departure” field, write “To return home” or “To go to another country” (avoid “For vacation,” as it delays processing). If a parent or guardian completes the form for a minor, use the minor’s name and write “(Parent/Guardian’s name) wrote this on (child’s name)’s behalf,” followed by their signature.

Stimulants / Stimulants’ Raw Materials:
Examples of which include: Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse), Pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed, Actifed, Vicks Inhaler). These medications are generally prohibited. Items in this group fall under the Stimulants Control Law. They cannot be imported for personal use — even with a prescription.

Psychotropics:
Examples of which include: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Zolpidem (Ambien). These medications are partly prohibited. Many psychotropic drugs are allowed in limited quantities but require a Yunyu Kakunin-sho import certificate if exceeding a one-month supply. Check the ingredient list carefully.

General medicines / non-regulated drugs:
Examples include Tramadol and other non-scheduled analgesics. These medications are usually permitted within normal limits.

Note: This list is not exhaustive. The key takeaway: If your medication’s active ingredient appears on Japan’s controlled substances list (for example, under “Narcotics”, “Psychotropics”, “Stimulants’ Raw Materials”), then you likely cannot bring it without prior permission.

3. Restricted medications (Require certificate or special permission)

If your medication is not outright banned but either (a) contains a controlled substance, or (b) you are bringing more than a standard allowable quantity, you will likely need to apply for a certificate known as the Yunyu Kakunin‑sho (Import Confirmation Certificate) before you travel.

What the rules say:

• For prescription medicines: you may bring up to one month’s supply for personal use without the import certificate, provided the drug is not prohibited, and not injectable (in most cases).
• For OTC (non-prescription) medicines and quasi-drugs: you may bring up to two months’ supply for personal use without a certificate.
• If you exceed these standard quantities (or if your medicine is injectable or contains a controlled substance), then you must apply for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho.
• Application is handled via MHLW’s online system for personal import use (since Feb 2023).

These rules and regulations can be checked via the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website. You may need to use a translation tool in your browser.

Example situations:

• You take an ADHD medication (amphetamine-based) → this typically falls under “Stimulants/Raw Materials” and may be banned or require special permission.
• You take an injectable medication or insulin with syringes → even if a prescription, still may trigger the certificate because of the device component.
• You have a common cold relief tablet that contains pseudoephedrine (sold OTC in your home country) → you still need to check because it could be a “Stimulant Raw Material” under Japanese law.

What to do:

1. Check the exact active ingredient(s) in your medication (not just the brand name).
2. Search whether that ingredient appears on Japan’s “Controlled Substances list” (N, P, SRM, etc).
3. If it is controlled, start the certificate application at least two weeks (preferably earlier) before travel.
4. Keep all supporting documents: doctor’s letter, prescription, original packaging, travel details.

4. Over-the-Counter Medicines to Be Cautious With

Even if a medicine is “non-prescription” in your home country, when you bring it into Japan, you need to check whether the ingredients are allowed. Some OTC cold, allergy, and sinus medications commonly used overseas are flagged in Japan.

Here are some examples:

• Cold/allergy/sinus meds containing pseudoephedrine (such as Actifed, Sudafed) are flagged.
• Inhalers or nasal sprays that contain stimulant‐type ingredients may also be prohibited.
• The key is: it doesn’t matter if you have a prescription or bought it legally at home — if the Japanese regulation classifies the ingredient as a stimulant or raw material, it may be banned.

Tip: Pack OTC meds in original packaging, bring a small list/translations of the active ingredients, and if in doubt, contact Japan’s regional health bureau or the embassy.

5. How to Apply for the Certificate (Yunyu Kakunin-sho)

If you determine you need the import certificate, here’s the current process:

• You can apply through MHLW’s “Application for Import Confirmation” online portal.
• Upload required documents: doctor’s letter/prescription, detailed product information (active ingredients, dosage, quantity), travel itinerary.
• Submit to the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare servicing the airport you’ll arrive at.
• Wait for issuance of the certificate (aim to apply at least two weeks in advance, and for more complex cases, possibly longer).
• Upon arrival at customs, present the certificate along with your medication and supporting documents.

6. Accessibility & Practical Travel Tips

Here are a few additional recommendations regarding bringing medication with you to Japan:

• Pre-travel: Ask your doctor for a letter or note that includes the diagnosis, medication name, dosage, and schedule — this helps clarify legitimacy if questioned.
• Keep medications in original packaging, with labels visible, and bring small quantities only if possible.
• If you’re carrying devices (pumps, syringes, injectables) alongside medication, make sure you understand how Japan classifies them (sometimes as “medical devices”) and whether separate permission is needed.
• When packing OTC medicines, check active ingredients rather than just brand names — overseas brand names may not reflect Japanese regulations.
• If you’re staying more than one month and your medication is in continuous use, the certificate is essential — don’t assume “since I have a prescription” covers it.
• Make sure someone in your travel party knows where your doctor’s note, prescriptions, and import certificate are, especially in contexts where you might require assistance.

7. Notes to End On

• This guide is intended as a general overview only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations may change without notice.
• Before travelling, always check the latest information on the MHLW website: “Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan”. Check: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
• If you are unsure whether your medication is allowed, contact the regional health bureau (or the relevant Japanese embassy/consulate) with active ingredient details and your travel dates.
• When in doubt, plan — it’s far less stressful than discovering at customs that your medication isn’t permitted.