Codeine (Medication) → 🇯🇵 Japan

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

1. 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.
2. STEP 2At NRT or KIX customs, proceed through the Red Channel and present your Yakkan Shoumei, original prescription, and medication in original pharmacy packaging.
3. 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.

Leaving Japan with codeine (medication)

Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the Narcotics Control Law; Yakkan Shoumei personal-export authorisation framework. Personal-use quantities accompanied by the prescription and pharmacist dispensing label are generally permitted for export. Codeine-combination cough and cold products may be over-the-counter in some jurisdictions but still controlled for cross-border movement above threshold quantities. Personal export above the standard personal-use limit requires an Yakkan Shoumei from Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare. Destination-country rules on codeine import are more restrictive in many jurisdictions (Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states) and should be verified independently.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-07-05