ConditionalPsychotropic · Zopiclone

Is Lunesta Legal in Japan?

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

Conditional — quantity threshold applies

Lunesta (Zopiclone) is allowed into Japan for personal use without a permit, provided you carry no more than 300 mg 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

300 mg

Substance class

Psychotropic

Why is Lunesta controlled in Japan?

Zopiclone 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 zopiclone allowed in Japan?▼

Yes, up to 300 mg of zopiclone in oral form for personal use. Zopiclone is prescribed widely outside the US (e.g., as Imovane in Canada and Zimovane in the UK). Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is the US-marketed enantiomer and falls under the same psychotropic classification.

Related medications

ZopicloneConditional

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

ZolpidemConditional

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

TemazepamConditional

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

Check your full travel kit

Lunesta 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.