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.
Quick Answer
Japan controls more than 80 prescription medications under three pathways: prohibited (Adderall, methamphetamine, heroin, cannabis — no import allowed even with prescription), permit-required (Vyvanse, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, Sudafed above 10% — apply for NCD permit 14+ days before arrival), and conditional (Ritalin, Xanax, Valium, Ambien — allowed below a quantity threshold without a permit).
Source: MHLW Narcotics Control Department — Controlled Substances List (12 Dec 2024) · MHLW personal-import guidance. Regulations change — verify with the MHLW Narcotics Control Department before travel.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US medications are banned in Japan?▼
Japan completely prohibits amphetamine (Adderall), methamphetamine, heroin, opium, methaqualone, and most cannabis/CBD products. Travelers cannot import these even with a US prescription. Other medications like Vyvanse, oxycodone, and high-strength Sudafed require an NCD permit applied at least 14 days before arrival.
Is Adderall legal in Japan?▼
No. Adderall (amphetamine) is prohibited under Japan's Stimulants Control Act. A US prescription does not authorize import — travelers have been arrested at customs for personal-use quantities. There is no permit pathway; ask your doctor about Japan-legal alternatives like methylphenidate (Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strattera) before travel.
Can I bring Sudafed to Japan?▼
Most US Sudafed products exceed Japan's 10% pseudoephedrine threshold and are restricted. They require an NCD import permit. Most travelers leave Sudafed at home and buy Japanese cold remedies like Pabron at any pharmacy — these are widely available and inexpensive.
How do I get a Japan medication import permit?▼
Apply for the import permit through Japan's Narcotics Control Department (NCD) at least 14 days before arrival. You'll need a doctor's letter (dated within 3 months) listing your diagnosis, drug name, dose, and trip length, plus photos of the original packaging. Submit by email; carry the import certificate with you at customs, not in checked bags.
What is a Yakkan Shoumei?▼
A Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) is an import certificate from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). It's required for psychotropic medications carried above the no-permit quantity threshold or in injectable form. Apply through the same MHLW pathway as the personal-use exception — usually 2-3 weeks before travel.
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
Consultations with our pharmacists for personalized guidance on medication alternatives and paperwork are coming soon.
Traveling to Japan Soon?
Get a personalized travel health consultation. Our pharmacists can help with medication alternatives, required paperwork, and vaccination recommendations for Japan.
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.