How to Order Medications Online from the U.S. to Japan: A Complete Guide

Thank you for choosing internationalpharmacy.com as your trusted source for medications from the US market. Whether you are a Japanese resident or an expatriate, you can purchase your medications online for shipment to Japan. Below is a complete guide about how to order medications online from the U.S. to Japan:
Import Guidelines
Non-controlled prescription medications may be imported into Japan as long as they are strictly for personal use and comply with local regulations.
- Up to a one-month supply of non-controlled prescription medication can be imported without requiring any additional documentation. Please keep in mind that when placing your order with us you must certify that the medicine you are ordering will be used under supervision of your health care provider.
- If you need to import more than a one-month supply, you must apply for an import certificate (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) with the appropriate Regional Bureau the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).
- The application process requires submitting a copy of your prescription along with relevant details about the medication.
- Processing the import certificate typically takes around two weeks. It is therefore advisable to apply well in advance of your expected shipment.
- Topical medications (such as creams, ointments, and lotions) can be imported in larger quantities without the need for an import certificate. However, there may still be limits depending on the product type.
For more information please visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).
Customs Clearance Process
Customs clearance in Japan is handled by the courier (Japan Post, FedEx, or DHL, depending on the shipping option you select).
- If your shipment meets Japan’s import regulations, the courier will process it and deliver it directly to you.
- If additional documentation or an import certificate (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) is required, customs or the courier may contact you for submission before the package is released.
- Any applicable customs duties, taxes, or fees will be communicated by the courier and must be paid before delivery.
Thank you for using this guide to order your medications online from U.S. to Japan. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us.
Sincerely,