Adderall, Vyvanse, Sudafed: banned medicines in Japan

A controlled medicine at the Japanese border

This is decided when you land in Japan, by Japan Customs. Airport security at your departure airport is a separate check.

Medicines containing amphetamine, methamphetamine, heroin, opium powder or methaqualone cannot be brought in even if prescribed; Adderall is named. Narcotics (codeine over 1%) and stimulants' raw materials (Vyvanse; pseudoephedrine over 10%) need a prescription and permission obtained before entry.

Banned even with a prescription: heroin, opium powder, methamphetamine, amphetamine (dexamphetamine, levamfetamine), methaqualone
Adderall: No: amphetamine cannot be imported, even for treatment purposes
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine): Yes, with permission obtained in advance: a stimulants' raw material
Pseudoephedrine: a stimulants' raw material; substances containing 10% or less are excluded from the list
Codeine: a narcotic; substances containing 1% or less of codeine or its salt are excluded
Psychotropics such as methylphenidate, zolpidem, alprazolam, diazepam: no permission required

Getting permission before you travel

For prescribed narcotics and stimulants' raw materials, apply for permission from the Japanese Government (the directors of the Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare) and receive it before you leave home. Medicines containing the banned substances cannot be cleared at all.

Frequently asked questions

Which medicines are banned in Japan?

Medicines containing amphetamine, methamphetamine, heroin, opium powder or methaqualone cannot be brought in even if prescribed; Adderall is named. Narcotics (codeine over 1%) and stimulants' raw materials (Vyvanse; pseudoephedrine over 10%) need a prescription and permission obtained before entry.

Can I bring Adderall with my doctor's prescription?

No. Amphetamine, the active ingredient of Adderall, is controlled as a stimulant and cannot be imported into Japan, even for treatment purposes.

Can I bring Vyvanse?

Yes, with permission obtained in advance. Lisdexamfetamine is controlled as a stimulants' raw material.

Are cold medicines with pseudoephedrine banned?

Pseudoephedrine is a stimulants' raw material. Importing these is strictly prohibited unless the medicine is prescribed for a specific patient and carried with permission obtained before you enter Japan. Substances containing 10% or less of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are excluded from the controlled list.

What about codeine?

Codeine is listed as a narcotic, so a prescribed medicine needs permission obtained before you enter Japan. Substances containing 1% or less of codeine or its salt are excluded.

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Sources for this page

Narcotics Control Department (MHLW) — Application Guidance for travellers carrying controlled medicineschecked October 1, 2026
Narcotics Control Department (MHLW) — Controlled Substances List in Japan (PDF, 12 December 2024)checked October 1, 2026
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japanchecked October 1, 2026