ConditionalPsychotropic · Modafinil

Is Modafinil Legal in Japan?

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

Conditional — quantity threshold applies

Modafinil (Provigil) is allowed into Japan for personal use without a permit, provided you carry no more than 6 g in oral (non-injectable) form. Above that threshold, or for any injectable form, you must apply for a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate supported by a doctor's letter before travel.

Japan status

Conditional

Quantity threshold

6 g

Substance class

Psychotropic

Why is Modafinil controlled in Japan?

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.

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 Provigil allowed in Japan?▼

Yes, up to 6 g of modafinil for personal use in oral form. A 200 mg/day × 30-day supply is exactly 6 g — if you take more, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei certificate.

Is armodafinil (Nuvigil) the same as modafinil for permit purposes?▼

Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of modafinil and falls under the same psychotropic classification. The 6 g threshold applies.

Related medications

MethylphenidateConditional

Methylphenidate is a Schedule I psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. At 54 mg/day for 30 days, you would carry 1.62 g — well below the 2.16 g threshold, so no permit is needed for a typical 30-day supply.

Check your full travel kit

Modafinil 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.