Vape / E-Cigarette → Japan

Devices allowed but nicotine liquid restricted

Details

Japan allows heated tobacco devices (like IQOS, very popular domestically) but restricts nicotine-containing e-liquid under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. Non-nicotine e-liquid is unrestricted. Travelers may bring personal nicotine liquid under the personal import allowance.

Quantity limit

One month supply of nicotine liquid

Documentation required

• Valid prescription for nicotine-containing e-liquid
• Yakkan Shoumei certificate from Japan MHLW for nicotine liquid import

Legal reference

Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act

Surrender at customs

Declare at Japan Customs (Zeikan) Red Channel. Officer will issue a voluntary abandonment form (nintei haikisho). No criminal charge if proactively declared. Device disposed of on-site at no cost.

Practical advice

Carry the device in carry-on (never checked baggage — lithium battery rule). Quantities above the personal-use threshold for Japan must be declared to Japan Customs with proof of purchase; e-liquid containers obey the standard 100 ml carry-on liquid rule.

Customs authority

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