Adderall (Medication) → Japan

Strictly prohibited. Amphetamines are banned in Japan regardless of prescription.

Details

Adderall (amphetamine salts) is completely prohibited in Japan under the Stimulant Drugs Control Law (Kakuseizai Torishimari Ho). Japan bans all amphetamine-based medications, including those legally prescribed in the US and other countries. A valid US or foreign prescription offers no exemption. Penalties for importing Adderall are severe: up to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for importation offences. Japanese customs screen for amphetamines and have detained and prosecuted foreign nationals. Alternative ADHD medications such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Concerta (methylphenidate — with Yakkan Shoumei) may be brought with proper documentation, but Adderall itself is banned.

Quantity limit

Zero tolerance — no amount permitted

Legal reference

Stimulant Drugs Control Law (Act No. 252 of 1951)

At the airport

1. Adderall is absolutely prohibited in Japan. Do not bring it. If you arrive with Adderall, proceed to the quarantine/customs declaration area at NRT or HND.
2. Approach the Japan Customs officer at the Red Channel and declare the medication. Do not conceal it — penalties for concealment are more severe.
3. Present your US or home-country prescription and physician's letter. These do not exempt you from Japan's Stimulant Drugs Control Law but demonstrate good faith.
4. The medication will be confiscated and you may be detained by the Narcotics Control Department of MHLW. Penalties include up to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.
5. Contact your country's embassy immediately (US Embassy Tokyo: +81-3-3224-5000). Request a consular officer to be present at any interview.

Transit

Transit not permitted. Japan's Stimulant Drugs Control Law treats possession of amphetamines as a criminal offence for all persons on Japanese territory. There is no transit exception for Adderall at Japanese airports. Even passengers transiting Narita or Haneda without clearing immigration have had amphetamines seized in carry-on or checked baggage.

Surrender at customs

Japan Customs (Zeikan) accepts voluntary abandonment at the port of entry. Surrender via nintei haikisho (voluntary abandonment form) at the Red Channel. Device/medication is destroyed on-site. No criminal prosecution for proactive personal-quantity surrender under Stimulants Control Law enforcement discretion.

Practical advice

Do not bring Adderall to Japan under any circumstances. Consult your neurologist about switching to methylphenidate (Concerta) before travel and apply for a Yakkan Shoumei for that medication instead.

Customs authority

Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance) · https://www.customs.mof.go.jp