CBD Oil → Japan

Prohibited. Japan's Cannabis Control Act bans all cannabis-derived products.

Details

Japan's Cannabis Control Act (Taima Torishimari Ho) prohibits the possession, import, and use of all cannabis-derived substances, including CBD oil. The Act was updated in 2023 to explicitly include cannabis extracts and CBD. Even CBD oil legally purchased abroad and brought for personal medicinal use is illegal. Japanese customs conduct strict checks and have prosecuted foreign nationals. Penalties include up to 7 years imprisonment for importation. There are no permitted medical exemptions for CBD for travellers.

Quantity limit

Zero tolerance

Legal reference

Cannabis Control Act (Law No. 124 of 1948, amended 2023)

At the airport

1. CBD is classified under Japan's Cannabis Control Law. If you arrive with CBD oil, proceed to the customs declaration area at NRT or KIX and declare the item.
2. Approach a Japan Customs officer at the Red Channel. Present the product and any lab certificates showing zero THC content (though Japan Customs may still classify it as cannabis-derived).
3. Expect the product to be confiscated for laboratory testing. If confirmed as a controlled substance, you may be detained and referred to the Narcotics Control Department.
4. Contact the British, American, Australian, or your own country's embassy in Tokyo immediately if detained. Do not sign any Japanese-language documents without a translator.

Transit

Transit not permitted. Japan's Cannabis Control Law and Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act apply to all persons in Japan including transit passengers. Japan Customs inspects and retains CBD products from transiting passengers at Narita and Haneda. Transit is not a safe harbour.

Practical advice

Do not bring CBD oil or any cannabis product to Japan. The 2023 law update closed previous ambiguities about CBD.

Customs authority

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