How much codeine (medication) can I bring to Japan?

Up to 1 month without certificate; up to 2 months with Yakkan Shoumei. Source: Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance).

What documentation do I need for codeine (medication) in Japan?

Prescription or doctor's letter for quantities over 1 month; Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate from MHLW) for more than 1 month's supply.

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Codeine (Medication) 🇯🇵 Japan

Q: Is codeine (medication) allowed in transit through Japan?

Transit permitted. Japan MHLW guidance clarifies that a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) is required when importing codeine into Japan but is not required for airside transit passengers who do not clear Japanese customs. The medication must stay in checked baggage and the passenger must have an onward boarding pass.

RESTRICTEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

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Requires a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate for quantities exceeding one month's supply.

ANSWER

Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into Japan?

RESTRICTEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Requires a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate for quantities exceeding one month's supply.

QUANTITY / LIMITS

Up to 1 month without certificate; up to 2 months with Yakkan Shoumei

DOCUMENTS

Prescription or doctor's letter for quantities over 1 month
Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate from MHLW) for more than 1 month's supply

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

mhlw.go.jp

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Full details

Codeine is a controlled substance in Japan under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. Travellers may bring a personal supply of up to one month without a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate). For quantities exceeding one month's supply (up to 2 months), a Yakkan Shoumei must be obtained from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) before arrival. Codeine-containing products that are sold over the counter in other countries (such as co-codamol in the UK) are subject to these controls. Medications must be in original packaging.

At the airport

STEP 1If bringing more than a 1-month supply of codeine into Japan, you must obtain a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before departure. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance.
STEP 2At NRT or KIX customs, proceed through the Red Channel and present your Yakkan Shoumei, original prescription, and medication in original pharmacy packaging.
STEP 3The customs officer will verify the Yakkan Shoumei and return your documents. If the supply is within the 1-month limit, no Yakkan Shoumei is required — use the Green Channel.

TRANSIT EXCEPTION

Permitted in transit. Japan MHLW guidance clarifies that a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) is required when importing codeine into Japan but is not required for airside transit passengers who do not clear Japanese customs. The medication must stay in checked baggage and the passenger must have an onward boarding pass.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Apply for the Yakkan Shoumei 4-6 weeks before travel if you need more than a month's supply. The application is done via email with MHLW. Keep all medications in original packaging.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-04-25

mhlw.go.jp customs.go.jp

RULE DETAILS

QUANTITY LIMITS

Up to 1 month without certificate; up to 2 months with Yakkan Shoumei

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

Prescription or doctor's letter for quantities over 1 month
Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate from MHLW) for more than 1 month's supply

LEGAL REFERENCE

Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law (Act No. 14 of 1953)

CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance)

SHOW AT CUSTOMS

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AIR TRAVEL IS SEPARATE

This page covers destination customs rules in Japan. Whether you can carry codeine (medication) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.