Is Opium Legal in Japan?
Prohibited — do not bring
Opium and opium derivatives (powder, tincture, paregoric) are prohibited in Japan. Foreign prescription does not authorize import.
Japan status
Prohibited
Quantity threshold
Not applicable
Substance class
Opium
Why is Opium controlled in Japan?
Opium is controlled under Japan's Opium Law with no exception for medical use.
What you need to know before travel
- 1A doctor's letter does NOT permit import of prohibited substances — they cannot be brought into Japan under any circumstance.
- 2If you take this medication, ask your prescribing doctor for a written treatment plan documenting an alternative therapy that is legal in Japan.
- 3Carry that alternative-therapy letter at customs in case you are asked to explain why you do not have your usual medication.
Frequently asked questions
Are opium-derived medications like paregoric allowed?▼
No. Paregoric (camphorated opium tincture) and similar preparations are prohibited regardless of foreign prescription. Use loperamide (Imodium) or a Japan-prescribed alternative for diarrhea.
Related medications
Morphine is a Schedule I narcotic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. Personal use is allowed with advance NCD permission.
Codeine is a Schedule I narcotic. Japan's law explicitly excludes products containing ≤1% codeine — but this threshold is concentration-based, not dose-based, so check the product carefully.
Check your full travel kit
Opium is just one medication — most travelers carry several. Our free checker reviews your entire prescription list against Japan’s import rules.
Check all my medicationsSource: 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.