Is Your Prescription
Illegal in Japan?
Common US medications like Adderall, Sudafed, and even some cold medicines are completely banned in Japan. Carrying them through customs can result in detention and deportation.
Common US Medications
Banned or Restricted in Japan
Japan’s Stimulants Control Act and Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law strictly regulate many medications that are commonly prescribed in the United States.
| Medication | Generic Name | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adderall | Amphetamine | Prohibited | Banned under Stimulants Control Act. Cannot be imported even with a prescription. |
| Vyvanse | Lisdexamfetamine | Conditional | Classified as stimulant raw material. Requires NCD permission before travel. |
| Ritalin / Concerta | Methylphenidate | Conditional | Psychotropic — allowed up to 2.16 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission. |
| Xanax | Alprazolam | Conditional | Psychotropic — allowed up to 72 mg with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission. |
| Valium | Diazepam | Conditional | Psychotropic — allowed up to 1.2 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission. |
| Ambien | Zolpidem | Conditional | Psychotropic — allowed up to 300 mg with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission. |
| Modafinil | Modafinil | Conditional | Psychotropic — allowed up to 6 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission. |
| Codeine | Codeine | Conditional | Narcotic — requires advance NCD import permission. Formulations with ≤1% codeine are excluded. |
| Sudafed | Pseudoephedrine | Conditional | Stimulant raw material — requires import permit. Also restricted in Advil Cold & Sinus, NyQuil. |
| Cannabis / THC | THC / CBD products | Prohibited | Banned under Cannabis Control Act. Includes most CBD oils and edibles. |
Banned under Stimulants Control Act. Cannot be imported even with a prescription.
Classified as stimulant raw material. Requires NCD permission before travel.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 2.16 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 72 mg with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 1.2 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 300 mg with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Psychotropic — allowed up to 6 g with prescription. Above limit requires NCD permission.
Narcotic — requires advance NCD import permission. Formulations with ≤1% codeine are excluded.
Stimulant raw material — requires import permit. Also restricted in Advil Cold & Sinus, NyQuil.
Banned under Cannabis Control Act. Includes most CBD oils and edibles.
How MedPassport Works
Three simple steps to make sure your medications are safe to bring on your trip.
Check Your Meds
Use our medication checker to look up any of 1,891 medications against Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare regulations.
Get Documentation
For restricted medications, prepare the required doctor's letter and NCD import permits before you travel.
Travel Safely
Book a consultation with our pharmacists for personalized guidance on medication alternatives and paperwork.
Data Sources
Data compiled from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Narcotics Control Department, Controlled Substances List dated 12 December 2024, and the US FDA Orange Book (March 2026).
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Japanese embassy or the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before travel.