Airport Customs Form
Support for Medications in Japan
- Main-Page
- Airport Custom Form Support
Travelling with medication? Preparing your Japan airport customs form for medication is essential to avoid delays or confiscation. Japan has strict customs rules, and many travellers are unaware of the required paperwork. Without the correct documents, your medicines may be seized at the airport.
MedicTranslate makes the process simple. We translate your prescriptions, prepare your Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) (Japan’s official import certificate), and guide you through completing customs forms. As a result, you can enter Japan with peace of mind and avoid unnecessary stress.
Why You Need Airport Custom Form Support?
Japan enforces strict rules on imported medicines. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs abroad may be restricted in Japan. Without the correct documents, travellers risk delays, confiscation, or fines.
MedicTranslate provides:
Accurate Translation – Certified medical translation into Japanese.
Compliance Check – Guidance on dosage limits and restricted substances.
Peace of Mind – Validated forms to avoid airport delays.
Common Challenges Travellers Face
Medication Restrictions: Some ADHD, anxiety, and pain medicines are prohibited.
Dosage Limits: Bringing more than 1–2 months’ supply often requires Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明).
Lost or Expired Prescriptions: Replacements in Japan are difficult without translated documentation.
MedicTranslate ensures your documents meet Japanese Ministry of Health requirements before your trip.
Our Medication Translation Services
Medication Restrictions
Japan has some of the strictest rules in the world regarding medications. Common prescriptions for ADHD, anxiety, depression, or pain relief, such as stimulants, sedatives, and strong painkillers, may be completely prohibited or require special approval before entry.
Even medicines that are considered routine in your home country may be treated as controlled substances in Japan. Without proper clearance, travellers risk having their medications confiscated at the airport.
Dosage Limits
Even if your medicine is permitted, there are strict quantity rules. Travellers are usually only allowed to bring up to a one-month supply of prescription drugs or a two-month supply of over-the-counter medicines without extra paperwork. Anything beyond this requires the Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) certificate, Japan’s official import permit for personal use. Submitting the form in Japanese, along with supporting documents, is essential to avoid delays or penalties.
Lost or Expired Medications
Replacing your medication inside Japan can be very challenging. Many pharmacies will not dispense foreign prescriptions, and local doctors may hesitate to prescribe unfamiliar medicines. Without a properly translated doctor’s letter or prescription, arranging a replacement can take days or may not be possible at all. Having all documents translated into Japanese before your trip ensures you can quickly access care or request refills from foreign-friendly clinics if needed.
Not sure if your medication is allowed?
MedicTranslate can check restrictions, prepare translations, and apply for Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) on your behalf
Guide to Bringing Medicines into Japan
Complete medication import requirements and restrictions
| Category | Examples | Status in Japan | Notes & Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD & Stimulants | Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine | ❌ Prohibited | All amphetamines & methylphenidate are banned. Cannot be brought in even with prescription. |
| Herbal Medicines (Traditional Chinese/Kampo) | Ephedra, Cannabis-derived products | ❌ Prohibited | Strictly banned, even if legal in other countries. |
| Anxiety & Sleep (Benzodiazepines & Hypnotics) | Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Ambien | ⚠️ Restricted | Classified as psychotropics. Up to 1 month's supply allowed with prescription + doctor's letter. Yakkan Shoumei may be required. |
| Strong Painkillers (Opioids/Narcotics) | Oxycodone, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, Codeine | ⚠️ Restricted | Require special narcotics permit from Japan's Narcotics Control Department in addition to Yakkan Shoumei. |
| Cold & Allergy Medicines (OTC) | Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra | ⚠️ Restricted | Medicines with >10% pseudoephedrine are banned. Antihistamines generally fine. |
| Cough Syrups (with Codeine) | Codeine-based syrups | ⚠️ Restricted | Strongly regulated; may require Yakkan Shoumei or narcotics clearance. |
| Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs) | Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Amitriptyline | ✅ Allowed | Generally permitted in 1-month supply. Larger quantities → Yakkan Shoumei. Carry doctor's letter. |
| Common Painkillers (Non-narcotics) | Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Naproxen | ✅ Allowed | Up to 2 months' supply without issue. |
| Antibiotics | Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin | ✅ Allowed | Up to 1-month supply. Prescription + doctor's note recommended. |
| Asthma Inhalers | Ventolin, Symbicort | ✅ Allowed | Carry prescription/doctor's letter. Larger supply → Yakkan Shoumei. |
| Diabetes Treatments | Insulin pens, Metformin, Glucose monitoring kits | ✅ Allowed | Must be for personal use. Prescription required. Yakkan Shoumei if over 1-month supply. |
| Heart & Blood Pressure Medicines | Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, Statins | ✅ Allowed | Generally no issue for 1-month supply. Over 1 month → Yakkan Shoumei. |
| Hormonal Treatments | Birth control pills, HRT (estrogen/testosterone) | ✅ Allowed | Up to 1 month without Yakkan Shoumei. More requires Yakkan Shoumei. |
| Medical Devices | Insulin pumps, CPAP machines | ✅ Allowed | Allowed if clearly for personal use. Accompanying documents recommended. |
| Supplements & Vitamins | Multivitamins, Fish oil, Herbal remedies | ✅ Allowed | Reasonable personal quantities only. Must be in original packaging. |
Disclaimer
Information provided is for general guidance only. Regulations may change, always confirm with Japanese authorities for the most up-to-date requirements.
Important Notes
- If you're unsure whether your medication is restricted, check with Japan's Ministry of Health or let MedicTranslate handle the translation and application process.
- Always carry medicines in original packaging with your doctor's letter translated into Japanese.
- Please note: The above table may change as regulations might change, always look at the main website for up-to-date information.
Need Help with Yakkan Shoumei Applications?
MedicTranslate specializes in translating medical documents and handling Yakkan Shoumei applications for bringing medicines into Japan. Our expert team ensures accurate translations and proper documentation for your medication needs.
Get Professional HelpFAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, platform usage, and how we can help you navigate medical translation and healthcare in Japan.
No. ADHD stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are prohibited in Japan. Bringing them— even with a prescription— can result in confiscation. Always check your medication against Japan’s restricted list.
A Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) is Japan’s import certificate for personal-use medications. You need one if your Japan airport customs form for medication requires approval—typically for supplies exceeding one month (prescription) or two months (OTC). Apply before you travel.
Yes. Customs officers expect a doctor’s letter that details your medical condition, medication names, dosages, and length of use. We offer precise prescription translation and doctor’s letter translation in Japanese to meet customs requirements.
Navigating medical replacements in Japan can be stressful. However, MedicTranslate can connect you with foreign-friendly clinics that assist international visitors. Having translated prescriptions and medical documentation makes it much easier to get help quickly.
We simplify the process of completing your Japan airport customs form for medication. Our services include:
Translating prescriptions and doctor’s letters
Preparing your Yakkan Shoumei
Helping you fill in customs documentation
This ensures smoother customs clearance and reduces the risk of delays, fines, or confiscation.
Essential Resources for Japan Medicine Import
Official sources and practical guides for medication travel
Government & Official Sources
-
Official English PDF explaining Yakkan Shoumei, required documents, and application steps.
-
Information on bringing narcotics, psychotropics, and special controlled substances into Japan.
-
Covers importation limits, restricted items, and general customs procedures.
Official English PDF explaining Yakkan Shoumei, required documents, and application steps.
Information on bringing narcotics, psychotropics, and special controlled substances into Japan.
Covers importation limits, restricted items, and general customs procedures.
Travel & Embassy Resources
-
Clear English-language overview for U.S. travellers, but useful globally.
-
Summarises UK advice on medicines, restrictions, and customs requirements.
-
Australian government guidance on health and medicines in Japan.
Clear English-language overview for U.S. travellers, but useful globally.
Summarises UK advice on medicines, restrictions, and customs requirements.
Australian government guidance on health and medicines in Japan.
Practical Yakkan Shoumei Application Support
-
Japanese government page with the Yakkan Shoumei forms and instructions.
-
Tourism-focused, covering medication rules, clinics, and emergency contacts.
Japanese government page with the Yakkan Shoumei forms and instructions.
Tourism-focused, covering medication rules, clinics, and emergency contacts.
Simplify Medical Translations Today
With MedicTranslate, accessing accurate medical translations is easier than ever. Break language barriers and enhance your healthcare experience effortlessly.
Medication Translation Other Services
Prescription Translation
Get your medical prescriptions accurately translated into Japanese for a smooth customs experience.
Doctor's Letter Translation
Ensure your medication lists are translated with precision to avoid any confusion at customs.
Airport Customs Form Assistance
We assist in automatically filling out your customs forms based on your translated documents.
Foreign Friendly Clinics
We connect you with foreign-friendly doctors and clinics in Japan, providing the support you need during your stay.