[Question]I’ll import the medicine I take from my country because it is not locally available in Japan. Is there anything I should be aware of?R

[Answer]

 To import medicines for your personal use, in principle, you need to obtain “Yakkan certificate” for customs clearance. This certificate is obtainable by submitting the necessary documents including an import report with a local Health and Welfare Bureau. If the shipment arrives at the Kansai International Airport, Osaka, or Kobe customs, you need to apply one with the Kinki Health and Welfare Bureau. However, you can import up to a one-month supply of poisonous and deleterious drugs or prescription medicine, and up to a two-month supply of other medicines without obtaining the certificate. For more information, please refer to this homepage:
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/0104/tp0401-1.html

Compliance and Narcotics Division /Pharmaceutical and Medical Safety Bureau /Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Fax:03-3501-0034
Kinki Bureau of Health and Welfare/Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare 06-6942-2241(main number)