What do I need to import to medicines to Japan?

Question

1. I am a foreigner.

2. I have a visa that allows me to work of my choosing.

3. I want to know the procedures and the laws concerning importing medicines to Japan.

Answer 1

If it is for your own use, nothing.Put them in your bag and go.If it is something stronger, it is good to have a proof( medical prescription) that you need it, but in fact I have received analgesics for migraine without such documents.But I guess things will become tougher after some recent scandals in Japan involving foreigners, so better be prepared.

If it is for commercial purpose, these medicines need an approval by the Japanese ministry of Labor, Health and Welfare (厚生労働省）.

This usually takes 3-4 years and about 100,000,000 yen(depends on the medicine). Therefore, only big and rich companies can afford this.

The Ministry needs clinical trial data by Japanese institution (usually big university hospital with permission to do such trials).You need to cover all expenses. Data from an institution outside is not usually accepted.

Answer 2

I brought a personal use supply of prescription drugs to Japan.  After my initial supply ran out, I went to a local doctor with an empty prescription bottle, explained my allergy and showed the doctor the empty bottle.  The doctor will do a lookup to see if they have the same or equivalent drug in Japan.  Next he/she will write a prescription and you can have it filled at the pharmacy.  

For OTC drugs, we usually buy locally and bring some back in to Japan when we go home for vacation.