ConditionalPsychotropic · Buprenorphine

Is Buprenorphine Legal in Japan?

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

Conditional — quantity threshold applies

Buprenorphine is a Schedule II psychotropic in Japan, allowed up to 80 mg in oral/sublingual form for personal use. Travelers in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder should obtain a doctor's letter clearly stating the indication — and consider a Yakkan Shoumei for trips exceeding the threshold or for injectable depot formulations like Sublocade.

Japan status

Conditional

Quantity threshold

80 mg

Substance class

Psychotropic

Why is Buprenorphine controlled in Japan?

Buprenorphine is a Schedule II 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 Suboxone allowed in Japan?▼

Yes, up to 80 mg of buprenorphine in oral or sublingual form for personal use. A typical 8 mg/day × 10-day supply (80 mg) is at the threshold. For longer trips, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei.

What about Sublocade (depot injection)?▼

Sublocade is injectable and requires an NCD permit regardless of dose. Coordinate with your prescriber well in advance.

Related medications

MethadonePermit Required

Methadone is a Schedule I narcotic. Japan distinguishes between chronic-pain use (permit-allowed) and substance use disorder treatment (prohibited from import) — uniquely strict among major countries.

MorphinePermit Required

Morphine is a Schedule I narcotic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. Personal use is allowed with advance NCD permission.

Check your full travel kit

Buprenorphine 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.