Healthcare & medicine
Can I bring compounded medicine into Japan for personal use?
Usually possible only within Japan's personal-use import rules. For compounded medicine, check the active ingredient, dosage form and quantity rather than relying on the brand/category name; quantities above the simplified allowance or products treated as controlled drugs require additional procedures.
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What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- Use the generic active ingredient, not only brand name.
- Controlled-substance permission can override ordinary quantity rules.
Documents
- Prescription/medical certificate
- Original packaging
- Import Confirmation/NCD permit if required
Likely cost
No standard fee for lawful personal quantities; certificates/translations/permit documentation may cost extra.
Where to act
MHLW personal-import procedure; Narcotics Control Department for controlled substances.