Job Discussion Forums

[QueenSerenity42]

I know this topic has been touched on a couple of times before, but the question never seems really answered. So here it is (again)...

I know that the best option for my prescriptions (birth control, Prozac, and a sleeping med) is to have my family in the States send them to me. My question is - how much are you allowed to bring in/send at one time and do you need to send a physical script from the doctor showing that you actually need them? Can I get them sent in 3 month supply batches? Or will customs only allow one month at a time? (I envision a lot of gaps in taking the meds if forced to do it that way...)

If no one actually knows, then does anyone know who I could call/e-mail to find out? I'm currently in Iowa and know only very basic Japanese, so calling the Japanese customs office directly isn't really an option.

Thank you in advance for any help and sorry to be asking so many questions! ^_^

QS42

[worlddiva]

Hey Queen Serenity!

I thouroughly researched this very thing before coming to Japan and this is what I know.

I had to bring 1 year's supply of everything as it was not an option for people to mail it me.

1. Get a letter from your doctor indicating the following:

- list all medications brand name and generic name
- quantity (# of bottles, packs, boxes etc.)
- dosage
- reason why you take these meds (i.e. asthma, anxiety, depression, etc.)
- your name, d.o.b., address in home country/ tel#
- airport you will be arriving at, date, flight #
* date it and get it signed by your doctor

2. get photocopies of all your original prescriptions

3.remember to pack copies of the letter from your DR., copies of RX and the RX themselves in 2 different pieces of luggage in case one gets lost you still have a back up.

4. Contact the Ministry of Health, labour and Welfare by fax. Send them a letter in english explaining that you are requesting permission to import these medications and fax them a copy of the letter from your doctor.
* you need to get a form from them to fill out and send back so that they can approve the import and give you a license*
This takes about 3-4 weeks to complete although I did it in 2 weeks.

If you are having trouble, contact the Tokyo number below as there is a guy there that's speaks english and can fax you the form you need to fill out.

5. Once you get the forms, they are very tedious to fill out....On the form along with all the other info from above you will have to indicate the manufacturer of the medication and country of origin. You will also have to indicate the chemical name which is the generic name. make sure you know what this is, if you are not sure ask your doctor.

6. almost forgot, keep all your meds in their original packaging.

NB: if you are only bringing a 1 month supply you do not need this license, if you bring more, depending on what it is, you will need this license.

They are pretty efficient and will get it to you within 2 weeks.
I don't speak any japanese and I managed to do this.

I've provided the website link and a copy of relevant info. if you have any other questions please PM me.

When you arrive at customs in japan you will have to show them the license. I know this all sounds really long and it is but better be safe than sorry.

PS: funny side note, I did all this and when I got to customs in Osaka they didn't even check anything!!!! All that for nothing. But I have heard of people getting stopped, so just do it anyways.Hope this helps!

*just in case: make sure none of your meds contain pseudoephedrine, it is illegal. This usually applies to Sudafed and other cold remedies and allergy pills.


http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/import/index.html


Importing or Bringing Medication into Japan for Personal Use

Compliance and Narcotics Division,
Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau,
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare


An importer of medication (drug, quasi-drug, cosmetic or medical device) for business purposes needs a License from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law.


There is no need for a License for individual's importing or bringing medication into Japan for personal use. An individual can import the following restricted quantities of medication without special procedures. Medication imported or brought into Japan for personal use must not be sold or given to others.

1. Drug or Quasi-drug: Up to 2 months' supply


Poisonous drug, Powerful drug or Prescription Drug : Up to 1 month's supply

Drug or Quasi-drug for External Use (excluding Poisonous drug, Powerful drug or prescription
drug) : Up to 24 pieces

Note )
Quasi-drug :

Quasi-drug is a product that has restricted purpose of use,has a mild action on the human body, and is not categorized as a medical device.
e.g.) hair tonics, bath preparations, etc.
For external use :
e.g.) ointments, eye drops etc.

2. Cosmetic : Up to 24 pieces per item

3. Medical Device (for home use only) : 1 set

e.g.) Electric massager

Import Prohibited or RestrictedDrugs


Import of stimulants (Amphetamine, Metamphetamine, etc.) is prohibited by the Stimulants Control law.

An importer of Narcotics, Psychotropic drugs needs a license from the Director-General Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.An contact point for the application of the Narcotics Control Department of the Bureau.
In accordance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), import of drugs including the following substances is restricted.

e.g.)
1. Rhinoceros horn
2. Musk
3. Tiger bones
4. Fel Ursi etc.


Further Reference

If you need to bring more than the restricted quantity of medication into Japan for personal use, and you plan to arrive at one of the following airports, please contact the following Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare during business hours

( Monday to Friday, 09 : 30 to 17: 45 ) :

Tokyo (Narita) International Airport (Kantou-Shinetsu office)
Phone : +81-48-740-0800
Fax : +81-48-601-1336

Kansai International Airport (Kinki office)
Phone : +81-6-6942-4096
Fax : +81-6-6942-2472

Naha International Airport (Okinawa branch office)
Phone : +81-98-854-2584
Fax : +81-98-834-8978

Regarding Narcotics, Psychotropic drugs, Stimulants etc., please contact the following office by Facsimile :

Charge of Opium of Compliance and Narcotics Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Fax : +81-3-3501-0034

Regarding CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)., please contact the following office :


Trade Licencing Division, Trade Control department, Trade and economic cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry
Phone : +81-3-3501-1659
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[QueenSerenity42]

Wow, worlddiva, that is AMAZINGLY helpful!! Thank you so much!

[Celeste]

I have gone through this process, as has a co-worker of mine. I have never been stopped, but my co-worker was "inspected" at customs once, and the inspector COUNTED every pill then got out the calculator and did the math on the prescription to make sure it all added up. The customs officer was quite polite about the whole matter, but my friend was a bit concerned about whether or not his doctor and pharmacist had done their math right! The moral of this story is to have your paper work in order and don't take chances.

[DoctorPayne]

I guess it helps to safe, but to tell you the truth they weren't really thorough checking bags at the airport. They're like, "do you have any blah, blah, blah"...resonse..."no"..."Welcome to japan".

I had a few meds with me, just inhalers, don't overworry yourself.

Apparently Vicks and sudafed is illegal here though, so don't bring 'em.