Bringing Medical Devices to Japan: CPAP, Insulin Pumps and Syringes
Bringing medical devices to Japan, such as a CPAP machine, an insulin pump, a CGM, syringes or a nebuliser, follows Japan's personal import rules. This guide sets out what the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and Japan Customs actually say, when you need an Import Confirmation, and what to check with your airline.
Quick answer
MHLW says the procedures for medical devices are basically the same as for medicines. You can bring a household medical device up to 1 set, and an injectable medicine with its syringes up to a 1-month supply (pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit only), without an Import Confirmation. Syringes brought without the medicine need an Import Confirmation, even for 1 piece. Above these amounts, apply for an Import Confirmation before you travel. The official pages do not name CPAP machines, insulin pumps, CGMs or nebulisers, so check your device with MHLW before you fly.
Travelling with a device and medicines? We check your list against Japan's personal import rules before you fly.
Check medication requirementsOn this page
What MHLW says about bringing medical devices to Japan
MHLW's English page for travellers says: "Basically, the procedures are the same as in the case of drugs and quasi drugs." It then lists the amounts you can bring for personal use without applying for an Import Confirmation.
| Item (MHLW wording) | Limit without Import Confirmation |
|---|---|
| Medical device for household use (e.g. electric massaging tools) | 1 set |
| Disposable contact lens | Up to 2 month supply |
| Injectable drug and Syringe for the drug Only "Pre-filled Syringe" or "Self-injection Kit" | Up to 1 month supply |
| Poison, Deadly poison, Prescription drug | Up to 1 month supply |
Japan Customs gives the same household-device limit, describing it as the minimum unit (1 set) and giving home massagers and home low-frequency therapy devices as examples. It adds that devices intended for medical professionals (医家向け医療機器) may not be imported by ordinary individuals.
These limits are for your own personal use. Neither MHLW nor Japan Customs lists individual devices such as CPAP machines or insulin pumps, so do not assume your device fits a category. Ask MHLW before you travel (contacts below).
CPAP, insulin pumps, CGMs, syringes and nebulisers
Here is what the official sources say, and do not say, for the devices travellers ask us about most.
CPAP machines
Not named on the MHLW or Customs pages. MHLW's sample Import Confirmation forms include a sleep-apnoea "machine set" as an example device. Ask MHLW whether your machine needs an Import Confirmation.
Insulin pumps and CGMs
The pumps, sensors and their supplies are not named. Insulin brought with its syringes for less than a 1-month supply needs no certificate, according to the MHLW Q&A. Ask MHLW about pump and sensor supplies.
Syringes without medicine
MHLW's Q&A says that if you import syringes only, without medicines, you need an Import Confirmation as medical devices, "even if you import 1 piece". Pen needles are not mentioned separately.
Nebulisers
Not named on the MHLW or Customs pages. The medicine you use in it follows the medicine rules. Ask MHLW about the device itself.
The medicines used with these devices have their own rules. Some ingredients are restricted or banned in Japan. Read how to bring medication to Japan and check the prohibited medication list.
When you need an Import Confirmation (輸入確認)
If you are bringing more than the amounts above, or syringes without the medicine, apply for an Import Confirmation before you leave home. MHLW's Q&A lists the documents needed to apply:
- A prescription or doctor's noteA valid prescription (or a doctor's note) showing the patient, the medicine and the doctor's name, issued by your doctor, for all medicines or medical devices you apply for.
- A travel document from your airlineFor example an itinerary or ticket copy showing arrival date, arrival airport or port, flight number and your name.
- Apply onlineApply through MHLW's online Import Confirmation system and wait for your certificate before you travel.
Our step-by-step guide to the Import Confirmation and NCD application walks through the online form.
Questions about a specific device? MHLW lists two Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare for medical devices: Kanto-Shin'etsu (yakkan[at]mhlw.go.jp) and Kinki (kiyakuji[at]mhlw.go.jp). Replace [at] with @. Ask early, before you book your flight if you can.
Airline rules and batteries
Japan's import rules and your airline's safety rules are separate. Whether you can carry a CPAP machine, insulin pump or nebuliser in the cabin, use it during the flight, or carry spare lithium batteries is decided by your airline and the aviation authorities, not MHLW.
- Contact your airline before you fly and ask about carry-on, in-flight use and batteries for your exact device.
- Ask whether the airline needs a medical form or advance notice.
- Check the rules of each airline if you have a connecting flight.
At the airport in Japan
MHLW's Q&A says to show your Import Confirmation if requested by customs. Keep it with your prescription or doctor's note and the device's documents in your hand luggage, so you can show them if asked. For help with the arrival declaration, see our airport customs form page.
Following these steps does not guarantee clearance. Customs and MHLW decide each case. Some medicines used with devices are restricted in Japan, whatever the quantity.
Check your medicines before you fly
MedicTranslate's personal medication import assessment reviews your list against Japan's published personal import rules, tells you where an Import Confirmation may be needed, and flags items you should confirm with MHLW.
- Medicines checked against MHLW rules
- Import Confirmation needs flagged
- Translation of prescriptions and doctor's notes
- Written summary to keep with your documents
Reply within 1–3 business days. We are not a customs authority and cannot guarantee approval or clearance. We do not give medical or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a CPAP machine to Japan?
MHLW and Japan Customs do not name CPAP machines in their personal import guidance. MHLW allows 1 set of a household medical device without an Import Confirmation, and its sample application forms include a sleep apnoea machine set. Ask MHLW whether your machine needs an Import Confirmation, and ask your airline about carrying it.
Do I need an Import Confirmation for insulin and syringes?
According to the MHLW Q and A, if you bring self-injected medicine such as insulin together with its syringes for less than a 1-month supply, you do not need an Import Confirmation. For more than that, apply for an Import Confirmation before you travel.
Can I bring syringes or needles without the medicine?
MHLW says that if you import syringes only, without medicines, you need to apply for Import Confirmation as medical devices, even for 1 piece. Pen needles are not mentioned separately, so ask MHLW first.
How many medical devices can I bring to Japan without paperwork?
MHLW lists 1 set for a medical device for household use and up to a 2-month supply of disposable contact lenses. Japan Customs adds that devices intended for medical professionals may not be imported by ordinary individuals.
Can I use my CPAP or insulin pump on the plane?
That depends on your airline, not on Japanese import rules. Contact your airline before you fly about carry-on, in-flight use and batteries for your exact device.
Does an Import Confirmation guarantee my device will clear customs?
No. MHLW asks you to show the certificate if requested by customs, but no document guarantees clearance. Keep your certificate, prescription or doctor's note and device documents in your hand luggage.
This article provides general information reviewed on 14 October 2026, based on MHLW and Japan Customs guidance. Import rules, quantities and procedures can change, and each case is decided by the authorities. MedicTranslate is not a customs authority, law firm or healthcare provider, and does not give medical or legal advice or guarantee approval or clearance. Confirm your device with MHLW and your airline before you travel.