Medication import guide · Japan

Import Confirmation Certificate (Formerly Yakkan Shoumei): Who Needs One in Japan?

The Import Confirmation Certificate (輸入確認証) is the document Japan now uses in place of the old “Yakkan Shoumei”. Whether you need one depends on the medicine, quantity and dosage form, and on whether the ingredient is separately controlled.

Sources reviewed 29 September 2026 Updated 4 October 2026 ~6 min read Sources: MHLW · Narcotics Control Department · Japan Customs

Quick answer

For an otherwise permitted medicine, you generally do not need Import Confirmation within MHLW’s personal-use limits: up to one month of prescription medicine, up to two months of other medicines or quasi-drugs, up to 24 units per item of qualifying external-use products, and up to one month of a self-injectable medicine in a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit. Above those limits, or for certain psychotropics, you apply online before travel.

Not sure whether your medicine needs paperwork? Check the active ingredient, strength, form and quantity before you apply.

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On this page
  1. Yakkan Shoumei vs Import Confirmation
  2. When you do not need an Import Confirmation Certificate
  3. When you need an Import Confirmation Certificate
  4. Controlled medicines are different
  5. How to apply for an Import Confirmation Certificate
  6. Documents to prepare
  7. FAQ
  8. Official sources
Import Confirmation Certificate context: Japan airport customs declaration form prepared with medicine details before arrival
Import Confirmation applies to medicines that fall outside Japan’s personal-use allowances.

“Yakkan Shoumei” is the old name

From 1 September 2020, the former Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) procedure was replaced by the Import Confirmation Certificate (輸入確認証). Many travel websites still use the old term, so searches for “Yakkan Shoumei” usually lead to current Import Confirmation guidance.

Also changed: MHLW’s online Import Confirmation system is now the normal route. From 1 July 2025, online application became the general rule for the supported personal-use application categories.

When you do not need an Import Confirmation Certificate

For a medicine that is otherwise permitted in Japan, MHLW sets these personal-use quantities that can be brought in without a certificate.

Usually no certificate

Prescription medicine

Limit: up to one month

Assessed from the directions for use and dosage. The same limit applies to poisons and powerful drugs.

Usually no certificate

Other medicines and quasi-drugs

Limit: up to two months

The general personal-use allowance for non-prescription medicines that are not separately restricted.

Usually no certificate

External-use products

Limit: up to 24 units per item

Qualifying ointments, eye drops and similar products, excluding prescription medicines, poisons and powerful drugs.

Usually no certificate

Self-injectable medicine

Limit: up to one month

An otherwise eligible injectable supplied as a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit.

When you need an Import Confirmation Certificate

  • You exceed the personal-use quantityFor example, more than one month of a prescription medicine or more than two months of another ordinary medicine.
  • You are importing syringes or devices separatelyThe allowance covers an eligible medicine in a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit, not syringes or devices brought on their own.
  • You carry psychotropics above the allowanceNarcotics Control Department guidance requires an Import Confirmation Certificate for psychotropic injections and for non-injectable psychotropics of one month’s supply or more.
  • The product needs individual confirmationSome ingredients or circumstances need confirmation regardless of the ordinary quantity thresholds.

Controlled medicines are a separate issue

Import Confirmation

For otherwise permitted medicines that fall outside the personal-use allowances or meet another Import Confirmation trigger.

NCD / Regional Bureau permission

Narcotics and stimulant raw materials follow separate controlled-substance procedures. An Import Confirmation Certificate does not replace those permissions.

A certificate cannot legalise a prohibited substance. Amphetamine and methamphetamine remain prohibited for individual travellers. Check controlled medicines under their own Japanese classification.

How to apply for an Import Confirmation Certificate

  1. Confirm Import Confirmation is the right processCheck the active ingredient, dosage form, quantity and whether a separate controlled-substance procedure applies.
  2. Use MHLW’s online Import Confirmation systemThe system handles supported personal-use applications and issues the certificate electronically once accepted.
  3. Enter the medicine details accuratelyUse the active ingredient, strength, dosage form, quantity and purpose of use, not the brand name alone.
  4. Upload the supporting evidence requestedThis may include a prescription, doctor’s letter or product information that identifies the medicine and its intended use.
  5. Respond promptly to clarification requestsProcessing time varies and missing or inconsistent information causes delays, so apply well before departure.
  6. Carry the certificate with the medicineKeep it accessible when you enter Japan.

Documents to prepare before applying

If your prescription or doctor’s letter is not in English or Japanese, a medical document translation keeps names and quantities consistent across your application.

Prescription, doctor's letter and medicine details laid out as supporting documents for a Japan import application
Consistent medicine names, quantities and supporting documents reduce avoidable delays.
Personalised medication assessment · from US$59

Want the correct route checked before you apply?

MedicTranslate reviews the medicines you list against current published MHLW and Narcotics Control Department guidance and explains the likely next step in plain English.

  • Medicine-by-medicine outcome
  • Checked against current official guidance
  • Written report within 3 business days
  • Translation support if documents are needed
Start my assessment — from US$59 Use the self-assessment

Price confirmed before you pay · Secure document process · MedicTranslate does not issue certificates, act as your agent or guarantee approval. Final decisions rest with Japanese authorities.

Traveller reviewing medicine information before a trip to Japan
Check the procedure before you travel rather than relying on an overseas brand name or an old “Yakkan Shoumei” article.

Frequently asked questions

Is Yakkan Shoumei still the current name?

No. The former Yakkan Shoumei procedure was replaced by the Import Confirmation Certificate from 1 September 2020. The old name still appears widely online.

Do I need Import Confirmation for one month of ordinary prescription medicine?

Generally no, provided the medicine is otherwise permitted in Japan and the quantity is no more than one month based on the prescribed dosage and use.

Can I bring a self-injectable medicine without Import Confirmation?

For an otherwise permitted injectable medicine, current MHLW guidance allows up to one month when it is a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit. Controlled substances, including psychotropic injections, have separate rules.

Are narcotics covered by the Import Confirmation Certificate?

No. Narcotics and stimulant raw materials need separate advance permission through the Narcotics Control Department or Regional Bureau. An Import Confirmation Certificate does not replace that permission.

Is the application online?

Yes. MHLW operates an online Import Confirmation system, and from 1 July 2025 online application became the general rule for the supported personal-use application categories.

Does MedicTranslate apply for the certificate for me?

No. MedicTranslate does not issue certificates or lodge applications as your agent. It can assess your medicines against published guidance, help organise documents and translate them, and you submit the application yourself.

Medication import disclaimer

This article provides general information based on published Japanese government guidance reviewed on 29 September 2026. It is not medical or legal advice and is not an official customs determination. Requirements change and product-specific facts matter, so confirm current requirements with MHLW, the responsible Regional Bureau, the Narcotics Control Department or another competent Japanese authority before travel.

MedicTranslate provides translation, information and administrative coordination services. It does not issue Import Confirmation Certificates, lodge applications as your agent, give legal or medical advice, or guarantee government approval or border clearance.

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