- Health in Japan
- Life in Japan
Importing Medication To Japan
Introduction
What are “pharmaceuticals” and what are the laws in Japan?
“Pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, medical devices…because they are linked to human life, their safety and efficacy must be tested thoroughly, and only those that gain acceptance may be distributed in the country, according to the restrictions outlined in the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Law.”
Tourists vs Residents
1. Non-prescription drugs: Up to 2 months’ supply (most over-the-counter medicines)
2. Prescription Drugs: Up to 1 month’s supply (most prescription medicines)
3. Drugs for External Use: Up to 24 pieces (things like creams, compresses, balms)
What is a “month’s supply?”
Yunyu-Kakunin-Sho (YKS)
The Ynuyu-Kakunin-Sho is an inspection certificate approval issued by MHLW under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. The purpose is advanced permission for importing quantities of medication more than the amount allowed above. The guide to YKS and the application form is in the PDF file here.
How to apply for a YKS
Government page explaining YKS:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html
Online application system page:
https://impconf.mhlw.go.jp/aicpte/page/login.jsp?lang=en
Video explaining how to make an online application:
https://youtu.be/GK_at96Baps
Important points for the YKS
Declare. At the airport, the special procedures needed besides the normal customs procedures are showing your Yakkan Shoumei at the pharmaceutical affairs desk in the arrival area.
Prohibited Medications
Certain medications that might be legal in other countries are not allowed in Japan. Even with a legal prescription from a doctor overseas. The list of prohibited substances is here.
Such prohibited medications are:
- marijuana
- stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine
- narcotics such as heroin, fentanyl
- other drugs as prohibited by law and international convention
Controlled drugs
Persons who need to import controlled drugs, for example prescribed narcotics for the treatment of pain due to a medical condition, must get permission from the Narcotics Control Department, MHLW. The information page is here. This is a separate permission from the YKS.
Psychotropic medicine
Importing certain types of psychotropic medicines requires a separate permission if the total amount of the medicine imported exceeds the amount listed on this list.
For most people coming to live and work in Japan, it’s enough to get a YKS if needed and bring their medications. Make sure that you follow these simple steps and remain in compliance with regulations when coming to Japan.
Interested in living and working in Japan? Check out ALT jobs with Interac here.