ConditionalPsychotropic · Buprenorphine

Is Suboxone Legal in Japan?

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

Conditional — quantity threshold applies

Suboxone (Buprenorphine) is allowed into Japan for personal use without a permit, provided you carry no more than 80 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

80 mg

Substance class

Psychotropic

Why is Suboxone 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

BuprenorphineConditional

Buprenorphine is a Schedule II psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.

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

Suboxone 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.