ConditionalPsychotropic · Phentermine

Is Adipex-P Legal in Japan?

Reviewed by Dr. Lo and Dr. Lee (PharmD)·Last updated

Conditional — quantity threshold applies

Adipex-P (Phentermine) is allowed into Japan for personal use without a permit, provided you carry no more than 1.125 g in oral (non-injectable) form. Above the threshold or for injectable forms, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) before travel.

Japan status

Conditional

Quantity threshold

1.125 g

Substance class

Psychotropic

Why is Adipex-P controlled in Japan?

Phentermine is a Schedule III psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.

Doctor letter & quantity rules

  1. 1No certificate or permission is required if you carry ≤ the quantity threshold AND the form is non-injectable (oral only).
  2. 2If you are above the threshold OR carrying an injectable form, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) before travel.
  3. 3Carry the prescription bottle in original pharmacy packaging with the patient label legible.
  4. 4We recommend a doctor's letter listing your diagnosis, drug name, daily dose, and trip length — even when below the threshold, customs may ask.

Above the threshold? Apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) — the MHLW equivalent of an import permit for psychotropics over the personal-use limit.

MHLW Yakkan Shoumei guidance

Frequently asked questions

Is Adipex-P allowed in Japan?▼

Yes, up to 1.125 g of phentermine in oral form for personal use. A 37.5 mg × 30-day supply (1.125 g) is exactly at the threshold.

Related medications

PhentermineConditional

Phentermine is a Schedule III psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.

ModafinilConditional

Modafinil is a Schedule I psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. At 200 mg/day, a 30-day supply is 6 g — right at the threshold. Plan supply carefully.

Check your full travel kit

Adipex-P is just one medication — most travelers carry several. Our free checker reviews your entire prescription list against Japan’s import rules.

Check all my medications

Source: MHLW Narcotics Control Department — Controlled Substances List (12 Dec 2024). Page last reviewed 2026-05-31 by Dr. Lo and Dr. Lee (PharmD). Regulations change — verify with the MHLW Narcotics Control Department before travel. This page is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your prescribing physician or from a Japanese customs authority.