Importing medicine into Japan - Applying for Yakkan Shoumei (約款証明)

You can bring up to one month's supply of prescription drugs into Japan, and up to two month's supply of non-prescription drugs without completing any paperwork.

It is always a good idea to have a copy of the prescription and/or letter from the prescribing physician explaining the nature of the medication, the purpose of taking it, recommended dosage, and frequency of ingestion.

Most prescription drugs are permitted, including drugs that may not be available in Japan, such as birth control pills. Drugs that are hallucinogenic, narcotic, and/or psychotropic in nature will be confiscated, except in extenuating circumstances where prior approval has been obtained (e.g., a cancer patient taking a type of medication that has a high percentage of pain killer; these cases are treated on a case by case basis).

The following over-the-counter medications are prohibited in Japan since they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard: a) Tylenol Cold b) Nyquil c) Nyquil Liquicaps d) Actifed e) Sudafed f) Advil Cold & Sinus g) Dristan Cold ("No Drowsiness") h) Dristan Sinus i) Drixoral Sinus j) Vicks Inhaler k) Lomotil

Information about importing or bringing prescribed medication into Japan for Personal use can be found here on the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/import/index.html

Here is the .pdf file you need to download, print, fill out and send BY MAIL to apply for the Yakkan Shoumei (約款証明): http://kouseikyoku.mhlw.go.jp/kantoshinetsu/gyomu/bu_ka/shido_kansa/documents...

Be sure to include a self-addressed return envelope and at least 6$ of reply-coupons *which are coupons exchangeable for stamps almost anywhere in the world* (if you need them to send you the certificate by EMS then you should send 15-20$ of reply-coupons depending where you live.)

***Don't make the same mistake I did!!!***
I read on a blog that some guy sent his application by fax and got his Yakkan Shoumei.. I don't know how he was able to get it but I highly recommend you NOT to try. Because I tried and after waiting a few weeks and not getting my certificate or any notice from the Kanto-Shinetsu I started getting worried, called them and they told me more than once that applications by FAX or EMAIL are not accepted. So I had to rush and send mine by priority mail which cost me a lot of $...

The fax numbers and email address are only there if you need to ask questions about importing medicine.

By the way don't waste your time and money trying to call the office's phone number either unless you are fluent in Japanese. When I called I asked (in Japanese) if they had an English speaking employee available and they said no. I called 3 different phone numbers, 3 different times and each time I was told there was no one there to answer me in English.

They were very nice though a lady gave me an EMAIL ADDRESS I could write to:
yakkan-shomei@mhlw.go.jp

An Inspector named Sugawara-san answered all of my questions. He wasn't always clear though so make sure if you send an email that your questions are simple and straight forward.

*IMPORTANT NOTE* In the video I say that the office where you need to send the documents is called "Kantou Shinetsu" but it's important to mention that this particular office only deals with people who are going to be visiting/living in the Kanto region (ex: Tokyo) . For those landing at the Kansai International airport the place where you need to send your application is called Kinki office. And for those landing at Naha International airport you have to send the documents to the Okinawa branch office.

If you arrive at Narita International Airport, you may submit the application documents to:

Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Bureau,
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Saitama-shintoshin Godochosha 1, 7th floor,
1-1 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama City,
Saitama Prefecture, JAPAN 〒330-9713

Phone : +81-48-740-0800
Fax : +81-48-601-1336


If you arrive at Kansai International Airport or Chubu International Airport submit the application documents to:

Kinki Regional Bureau,
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare,
Osaka Godochosha 4, 3th floor,
4-1-76 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City,
Osaka Prefecture, JAPAN 〒540-0008

Phone : +81-6-6942-4096
Fax : +81-6-6942-2472

Naha International Airport (Okinawa branch office)
I don't have the address sorry!
Phone : +81-98-854-2584
Fax : +81-98-834-8978

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[venusire]

I will live in Tokyo for a year and I have to bring more than 70 boxes of medicine. Now I am doing the Yakkan Shomei, I've just sent all necessary papers and I'm waiting for the certificate. But, I have to declare those medicines in Narita Airport ? And I have to take with my hand luggage or just with the checked luggae? Which is tge procedure when I arrive to Narita? Thanks!

[getoutofmyband]

@venusire Keeping it in your hand luggage is best because if it's put in your checked luggage, customs could open them without you being there to explain/show the yakkan shoumei, etc. Also if you keep it with you, there's no risk of losing them in case your checked luggage is misplaced/lost/stolen, etc.. Once you arrive at Narita, make sure you have the Yakkan Shoumei, doctors prescriptions, letter.. anything that may help the custom officers understand what/why you're bringing meds.

[getoutofmyband]

@venusire Declare that you are importing medication at the customs when they ask you and show them the Yakkan Shoumei and keep other important papers such as doctor's prescription, pamphlets explaining what the meds are..etc nearby (I would even suggest to just carry a clear file in hand so they would see you're prepared.)

[en4cer450]

How about those Transderm-Scop patches placed behind one's ear for motion sickness? Will they confiscate that without a certificate? I don't have an Rx for it either (it was given as a sample).

[getoutofmyband]

@en4cer450 I'm sorry, I have no idea about that.. but if you have less than a month's worth of those, I wouldn't worry. If you want to make sure, please write to the email address I left in the description.

[serenecelene]

I put in a $5 bill because they dont have reply coupons anymore supposedly...and they dont have japanese postage where I live o_o Do you think that will be okay? I would happily pay extra for express shipping, but can't seem to reach customs through email or phone. Gah! >_<

[getoutofmyband]

@serenecelene I don't think that will work. You should go to a bank and get a japanese 1000yen bill. BUT before you do that... email yakkan-shomei (at) mhlw.go.jp they usually reply very quickly. Write "Urgent about Yakkan Shoumei" in the title and explain who you are and your situation.

[venusire]

@getoutofmyband Thank you so much for the information :)

[akiko86]

Also for the record, International reply coupons are still available in the US - I bought mine online at the USPS store. Though you may not need them - when I got my Yakkan Shoumei in the mail, they sent back my IRCs with it.

[serenecelene]

@getoutofmyband Thank you for your response! My problem is I keep receiving emails that say emails can't be sent to that address >_< i already sent the package before i posted here...thank u for the response though. I hope things work out :S

[akiko86]

If anyone needs it, the address for if you're arriving in Naha is :

Section of Medicinal Inspection and Guidance.

Naha Daiichi chiho Godochosha

15-15-1 chome Higawa, Naha city Okinawa Pref Japan, 540-0008