Can I ship medicine from Japan?

Japan Post rules checked across 179 destinations · last verified · guide reviewed

Short answer: Only under conditions, nearly everywhere. Japan Post accepts medicines and quasi-drugs only under conditions, typically personal-use quantities with documentation. Several destinations, among them Norway, Cyprus and the Czech Republic, prohibit medicines by post, and many more refuse particular kinds, such as unlabelled or unregistered medicines. Narcotics and psychotropic substances are refused to every destination.

Japan Post's carrier-wide rule treats medicines and quasi-drugs (over-the-counter remedies, medicated products) as conditional, and refuses controlled substances outright. Most destinations then add their own conditions: a quantity limit for personal use, a prescription or a doctor's letter, or an import permit for anything beyond that.

Some destinations go further and prohibit medicines by post entirely. The table below shows every covered destination with its own medicine rule; those without one follow the carrier-wide conditions and their general customs law.

Whether a specific product can go in a specific parcel is decided per item: the ShipMate GO app asks the follow-up questions a rule needs and gives a verdict before anything is booked.

Japan Post's carrier-wide rules

These apply to every destination, before any country's own import rules.

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (controlled drugs)

    Prohibited

    Narcotics and psychotropic substances as defined by the International Narcotics Control Board, and other illicit drugs prohibited in the destination country, are banned from international shipment. An exception exists only for narcotics and psychotropic substances sent as parcel post to countries that permit their dispatch for medical or scientific purposes.

    • Narcotics or psychotropic substances sent as parcel post to a destination country that permits their dispatch for medical or scientific purposes — permitted

    Source: Japan PostHS chapter 29On the full list

  • Medicines / Quasi-drugs (Pharmaceuticals & OTC Remedies)

    Conditional

    Medicines and quasi-drugs (including OTC remedies) are conditionally accepted for all international destinations; shipment is permitted provided the item contains no poisons, deleterious substances, flammable liquids, or compressed gases, and the specific product name (e.g. cold medicine, stomach medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, eye drops) is clearly stated in the item description field.

    • Item contains no poisons, deleterious substances, flammable liquids, or compressed gases, AND the specific product name (e.g. cold medicine, stomach medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, eye drops) is stated in the item description field — permitted

    Source: Japan PostHS chapter 30On the full list

  • Analgesics / Anti-inflammatory agents (liquid, solid, spray) — pharmaceuticals and quasi-drugs

    Conditional

    Analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents in liquid, solid, or spray form (including ointments, patches, and topical medications) are conditionally accepted; shipment requires declaration of flammable liquid content and alcohol concentration, and pressurized spray cans using compressed gas are not accepted under any circumstances.

    • Contains no flammable liquid — permitted — shipper must state absence of flammable liquid in the item description field
    • Contains flammable liquid with flash point above 60°C — permitted — shipper must confirm flash point exceeds 60°C and state this in the item description field
    • Contains alcohol at concentration of 24% or below — permitted — shipper must confirm alcohol concentration is ≤24% and state this in the item description field
    • Spray can type using compressed/high-pressure gas — prohibited — not accepted due to risk of rupture or explosion
    • Contains no compressed/high-pressure gas — permitted — shipper must state absence of compressed gas in the item description field

    Documents required: Declaration in the item description field stating whether flammable liquid is present or absent; Declaration in the item description field confirming flash point exceeds 60°C (if flammable liquid is present); Declaration in the item description field confirming alcohol concentration is 24% or below (if alcohol is present); Declaration in the item description field stating whether compressed/high-pressure gas is present or absent

    Source: Japan PostHS chapter 30On the full list

  • Gargle medicine / Mouthwash (pharmaceutical / quasi-pharmaceutical)

    Conditional

    Gargle medicine and mouthwash classified as pharmaceutical or quasi-pharmaceutical products are conditionally accepted because they may contain flammable liquid. Acceptance requires either confirmation that no flammable liquid is present, or confirmation that the alcohol concentration is 24% or below, with the applicable statement noted in the item description field.

    • Contains no flammable liquid — shipper states this in the item description field — permitted
    • Alcohol concentration is 24% or below — shipper confirms and states this in the item description field — permitted

    Source: Japan PostHS chapter 30On the full list

Destinations with their own rule for medicine

92 of the 179 destinations Japan Post publishes rules for list medicine in their own import rules. Each row links to that destination's full list.

DestinationRuleLevelJapan Post's wording
AlbaniaUnlabeled PharmaceuticalsProhibitedPharmaceuticals that do not bear a name or label are prohibited from shipment to Albania via regular and parcel services. Only named/labeled medicines are pote… source
Medicines and Medical DevicesConditionalMedicines and medical devices sent for the personal use of a patient or their family are conditionally permitted, but only when the recipient presents a medica… source
BrazilMedicine / MedicationProhibitedMedicine and medication are prohibited for shipment to Brazil unless accompanied by a prescription issued by the destination country. Only items with a valid B… source
CambodiaPharmaceuticals / MedicinesProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceuticals listed under Cambodia's customs tariff law are prohibited from shipment via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or c… source
Pharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals may only be shipped to Cambodia if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities in the destination country. Ship… source
ChileGoods recognized as harmful (beverages, foodstuffs, and medicines deemed harmful to health by the destination country's sanitary authority)ProhibitedBeverages, foodstuffs, and medicines that the destination country's Sanitary Council (Conseil supérieur d'hygiène) has determined to be harmful to health are p… source
Medicines without prescription label on containerProhibitedMedicines whose containers do not bear a prescription label are prohibited from shipment to Chile via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Any pharmaceutical pro… source
ChinaFood, medicine, and other items originating from areas affected by infectious/contagious disease; food, medicine, and other items that may harm humans or livestock or spread diseaseProhibitedFood, medicine, and other goods originating from regions affected by infectious disease are prohibited from shipment to China. Additionally, any food, medicine… source
ColombiaChemical products and pharmaceuticalsProhibitedChemical products and pharmaceuticals are prohibited from shipment to Colombia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in… source
Costa RicaMedicines / Pharmaceuticals with Unknown Ingredients or FormulationProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products whose ingredients or formulation are unknown are prohibited from shipment to Costa Rica via Regular, Parcel, and EMS serv… source
CyprusMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products are prohibited from being shipped to Cyprus via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated… source
Czech RepublicPharmaceuticals / MedicinesProhibitedImportation of pharmaceuticals and medicines from outside the EU into the Czech Republic is prohibited. This applies to regular mail, parcel, and EMS shipments. source
EcuadorProhibited or unidentifiable medicines/pharmaceuticalsProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products that do not clearly indicate a prescription, and medicines prohibited by Ecuador's health authorities, are not permitted… source
GeorgiaToxic substances and unauthorized pharmaceuticalsProhibitedToxic substances, pharmaceuticals lacking Ministry of Health authorization, hormone preparations, and blood products are prohibited from shipment to Georgia vi… source
MadagascarDrugs / Medicines not listed in the official pharmacopoeiaProhibitedDrugs and medicines that are not listed in the official pharmacopoeia are prohibited from being shipped to Madagascar via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. On… source
MexicoPowdered articles, medicines, etc.ProhibitedPowdered articles, medicines (including pills, lozenges, cachets, powdered drugs, capsules, and medicinal drops), and animal-derived whey and serum proteins ar… source
MonacoPharmaceuticals / Medicinal Products (unlabelled, not listed in destination pharmacopoeia)ProhibitedPharmaceutical products that are not listed in Monaco's pharmacopoeia and whose containers or outer packaging lack the required labelling — namely the product… source
MozambiqueUnlabeled PharmaceuticalsProhibitedPharmaceuticals that do not bear a name or label are prohibited from shipment to Mozambique via regular and parcel shipping. Only named/labeled pharmaceutical… source
Patent medicinesConditionalPatent medicines may be shipped to Mozambique via regular mail or parcel post, but prior authorization from the relevant authorities in the destination country… source
MyanmarDental pharmaceuticals packed in insulated/cold storage boxesProhibitedDental pharmaceuticals shipped in insulated or cold storage boxes are prohibited for shipment to Myanmar via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No additional d… source
NetherlandsPharmaceuticals / Medicinal Drugs (unregistered or registration pending in the Netherlands)ProhibitedPharmaceutical products and medicinal drugs that are not registered or whose registration is pending in the Netherlands are prohibited from shipment via Regula… source
NicaraguaPharmaceuticals / MedicinesProhibitedMedicines without a clear prescription and patent medicines not registered in Nicaragua are prohibited from being shipped via regular and parcel services. This… source
NigeriaMedicines and similar itemsProhibitedMedicines (pharmaceuticals) and aphrodisiacs are prohibited for shipment to Nigeria via Parcel and EMS. An exception applies to penicillin, streptomycin, and s… source
Pharmaceutical drugs (penicillin, streptomycin, and similar medicines)ConditionalPenicillin, streptomycin, and similar pharmaceutical drugs are permitted only if authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destinati… source
NorwayMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products are prohibited from shipment to Norway via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of the… source
PhilippinesFood and medicine bearing fake or inferior trademarksProhibitedFood products and medicines bearing fraudulent, counterfeit, or inferior trademarks are prohibited from shipment to the Philippines via Regular, Parcel, and EM… source
RomaniaMedicines not in original containersProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products that are not contained in their original packaging are prohibited from being shipped to Romania via parcel or EMS. Only m… source
Saudi ArabiaMedicines / Pharmaceuticals (without prescription)ProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products are prohibited for shipment to Saudi Arabia unless accompanied by a prescription issued by a competent authority. Shipmen… source
Medicines, Pharmaceuticals, and Related ProductsConditionalMedicines, pharmaceuticals, plant-derived products, and food intended for medical purposes require prior approval from the General Food and Medicine Authority… source
SerbiaMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products are prohibited from being shipped to Serbia via regular mail and parcel services. No exceptions or conditions are specifi… source
SeychellesMedicines derived from opium, morphine, cocaine, and Indian hemp (cannabis) sent to non-medical professionalsProhibitedMedicines derived from opium, morphine, cocaine, or Indian hemp (cannabis) are prohibited when sent to recipients who are not a doctor, pharmacist, dentist, or… source
SloveniaMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products are prohibited from shipment to Slovenia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are indicated in the source. source
SpainTobacco, medicines (violating health laws), matches, playing cards, mahjong tiles, lottery tickets, and items contrary to public order and moralsProhibitedThe following items are prohibited from shipment to Spain via Regular and EMS services: tobacco, matches, medicines that violate Spain's health laws, playing c… source
Sri LankaPharmaceuticals (medicines prohibited under the Sri Lanka Hospital Formulary Committee list)ProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products that are prohibited from importation under the drug list established by Sri Lanka's Hospital Formulary Committee are not… source
Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and related productsConditionalMedicines and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases, preventive drugs, related advertisements, pharmaceutical labels affixed to medicine containers, and… source
TaiwanMedicines / Pharmaceutical Drugs Prohibited by Taiwan's Medical LawsProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical drugs that are prohibited under Taiwan's medical laws may not be shipped to Taiwan via Regular, Parcel, or EMS services. These ite… source
UkraineMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsProhibitedMedicines and pharmaceutical products are prohibited from shipment to Ukraine via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions or conditions are stated in… source
Medicines (Pharmaceuticals)ConditionalMedicines listed in the State Register of Medical Products of Ukraine are conditionally permitted. Medicines not listed in the State Register may also be sent,… source
VietnamBetel leaves, areca nut, cinnamon bark, traditional medicines of animal/plant origin, and seeds containing anise or castor oilProhibitedThe following items are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services: betel leaves, betel tree bark, fresh or dried areca nuts, a… source
Dangerous PharmaceuticalsProhibitedPharmaceuticals, drugs, and medicinal preparations that may pose a danger to human life or animals are prohibited from shipment to Viet Nam via Regular, Parcel… source
AlgeriaPharmaceuticals and Medical DevicesConditionalMedicines and medical/surgical instruments may be shipped to Algeria only if the required permit and/or visa from Pharmacie centrale algérienne has been obtain… source
Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Related ItemsConditionalPharmaceuticals, medical foods, sera, vaccines, toxins, microorganisms, and similar items for human or animal use are permitted only with authorization from Al… source
AngolaMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalPatent medicines are permitted only when shipped to a properly registered addressee. The packaging and labels must display all information regarding the medici… source
AustraliaNon-infectious substances, poisons for medical purposes, and medicinesConditionalNon-infectious substances, poisons intended for medical purposes, and medicines are conditionally permitted provided the specified conditions are met. Infectio… source
AustriaPharmaceutical products / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products shipped to Austria are subject to special import procedures. Registered medicines imported by authorized importers do not… source
AzerbaijanMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines sent for purposes other than personal use may only be shipped if accompanied by a permit issued by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Public Health. No such pe… source
BahrainMedicines, Sera, and VaccinesConditionalMedicines, sera, and vaccines may only be shipped to Bahrain with prior authorization from the destination country's health authority (Ministere de la sante).… source
Bosnia and HerzegovinaMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals are conditionally permitted to Bosnia and Herzegovina: they must either have authorization from the relevant authorities of the d… source
BulgariaPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines not listed in the Bulgarian Ministry of Health pharmacopoeia are permitted only if authorization from the Ministry of Health has been obtained. Medic… source
CanadaMedicines and pharmaceutical products (vitamins, vitamin supplements, ointments, drugs, prescription drugs, dental adhesives, cosmetics, etc.)ConditionalMedicines and related products for personal use may be imported up to a 3-month supply once per quarter, provided they are not prohibited by law; prescription… source
ChadPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Chad if consigned to a qualified pharmacist. Shipments addressed to any other recipient are not pe… source
CroatiaMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products are conditionally permitted for shipment to Croatia: they are allowed only if authorized by the competent authorities of… source
CubaMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals are permitted only if they are in their original packaging and within their expiry date. Medicines addressed to individuals for c… source
DenmarkPharmaceutical drugs / medicinesConditionalPharmaceutical drugs intended for pharmacists are permitted only when addressed to a government-approved institution in Denmark, and the quantity must not exce… source
DR CongoPharmaceuticals and Non-Infectious SubstancesConditionalPharmaceuticals and non-infectious substances may only be shipped to the Democratic Republic of the Congo if authorization has been obtained from the destinati… source
El SalvadorChemical Substances, Chemical Products, and PharmaceuticalsConditionalToxic chemical substances, general chemical products, and pharmaceuticals are conditionally permitted for import into El Salvador via parcel or EMS, provided t… source
EstoniaPharmaceutical and medicinal productsConditionalMedicines and other products used in medical treatment are conditionally permitted for shipment to Estonia. Prior authorization granted by the relevant authori… source
FinlandPharmaceutical / Chemical Substances (Drugs)ConditionalPharmaceutical and chemical substances may only be shipped to Finland when consigned to specific authorized recipients, including pharmacists, licensed manufac… source
FranceMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to France if accompanied by a permit issued by the relevant French authority: Agence du medicament fo… source
French GuianaMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals are conditionally permitted for shipment to French Guiana, provided they are accompanied by a permit issued by the relevant compe… source
GabonPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Gabon if addressed to a qualified pharmacist. Shipments to other recipients are not permitted. source
GermanyMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals (including vitamin supplements) are in principle prohibited, except for certain exceptions. Shipment is conditionally permitted d… source
GreeceMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products are conditionally permitted for shipment to Greece, provided that the container and outer packaging clearly state the pro… source
Patent Medicines / Proprietary MedicinesConditionalCertain patent medicines (proprietary medicines) require authorization from the relevant authorities of Greece before import is permitted. Not all patent medic… source
GreenlandPharmaceutical drugs / medicinesConditionalPharmaceutical drugs intended for pharmacists are permitted only when addressed to a government-authorized institution in Greenland, and the quantity must not… source
GuadeloupeMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products are conditionally permitted to Guadeloupe, provided they are accompanied by a permit issued by the relevant authority of… source
GuineaPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products are permitted for shipment to Guinea only if the container and outer packaging clearly state the common name, the substan… source
HungaryPharmaceuticals, Vaccines, etc.ConditionalMedicines (including antibiotics), sera, vaccines, therapeutics derived from bacteria or other microorganisms, and cosmetics bearing therapeutic claims are con… source
IndonesiaPharmaceutical drugs and related medical products (potent medicines)ConditionalMedicines, sera, and other products designated as 'potent drugs' by the Indonesian Ministry of Health are conditionally permitted. Shipment is allowed only whe… source
IraqPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Iraq if authorized by the Iraqi Ministry of Public Health (Ministère irakien de la santé publique)… source
IrelandVaccines and Related Biological/Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalVaccines, serums, toxins, antitoxins, antibiotics, salvarsan, penicillin, insulin, sterilized surgical gut, and animal-derived injectable solutions are conditi… source
IsraelMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Israel if authorized by the competent authority (Ministère de la Santé). The exact name and quanti… source
ItalyMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals are conditionally permitted to Italy and must be accompanied by a certificate from an Italian pharmacist or health institute. Pat… source
JamaicaMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals may only be shipped to Jamaica if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the destination country. Shipment… source
Pharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals are conditionally permitted for shipment to Jamaica. Each item and its packaging must clearly state the ingredients and indicatio… source
KuwaitMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may be shipped to Kuwait only when accompanied by a prescription. Both regular mail and EMS are applicable shipping types… source
Pharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalPharmaceuticals and sera are permitted for shipment to Kuwait only if the Ministry of Health of the destination country has granted approval, and pharmaceutica… source
LaosPharmaceutical productsConditionalPharmaceutical products are permitted for import into Lao PDR when intended for medical or scientific purposes. source
LatviaPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalPharmaceuticals and medicines are conditionally permitted to Latvia via parcel and EMS shipments, provided the shipment is accompanied by a certificate issued… source
LebanonMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Lebanon if authorization has been obtained from the destination country's Ministry of Public Healt… source
Pharmaceuticals and Related ItemsConditionalPharmaceuticals, medical/food supplements, and research articles for testing may be shipped to Lebanon via EMS, provided that authorization from the Ministry o… source
LiberiaPharmaceuticals / Chemicals (Drugs / Medicines)ConditionalImportation of pharmaceuticals and chemicals into Liberia is permitted only if prior authorization has been obtained from the relevant authority (National Publ… source
MalawiMedicines / Pharmaceutical PreparationsConditionalPharmaceutical preparations and medicines are conditionally permitted for shipment to Malawi, provided that the directions for disposal and use are clearly sta… source
MartiniqueMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products are conditionally permitted to Martinique, provided they are accompanied by a permit issued by the relevant authority of… source
MauritiusMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped if they are addressed to a doctor or pharmacist. Shipments to any other recipient are not permitted. source
MontenegroMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals are conditionally permitted to Montenegro: they must either be authorized by the relevant authorities of the destination country… source
MoroccoPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Morocco if the relevant authorities of the destination country have granted permission. Shipments… source
NauruNon-infectious substances, pharmaceuticals, and related medical itemsConditionalNon-infectious substances, poisons intended for medical purposes, and pharmaceuticals are permitted only when the specified conditions are met. Infectious subs… source
New ZealandPharmaceutical / Medical DrugsConditionalSubstances designated as narcotics under New Zealand's Narcotics Act 1965 are only permitted when accompanied by a Japanese export licence and the approval of… source
North MacedoniaPharmaceutical products / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products are conditionally permitted to Macedonia (MKD): they are allowed only if authorized by the relevant authorities of the de… source
OmanPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines are conditionally permitted to Oman provided the relevant authority (Ministere de la sante) has granted approval and the shipment meets all specified… source
PanamaMedicines (Pharmaceuticals)ConditionalMedicines for personal use are permitted up to a 6-month supply, provided the recipient can present a prescription from a licensed professional, a detailed inv… source
Papua New GuineaMedicines and PharmaceuticalsConditionalInternal (oral) medicines and external-use medicines may only be shipped to Papua New Guinea if the sender or recipient has obtained permission from the Direct… source
PeruPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines sent for commercial purposes are conditionally permitted to Peru, provided the shipment meets specific documentation requirements including an import… source
Pitcairn IslandsMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Pitcairn if approved by the destination's military doctor or accompanied by a prescription from a… source
PortugalMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals are conditionally permitted for shipment to Portugal. They are allowed only when authorization has been obtained from the destina… source
Patent Medicine (Proprietary Medicine)ConditionalPatent medicines may be shipped to Portugal conditionally: packaging and labels must display the manufacturer's representative's name, the medicine's ingredien… source
RéunionMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products are conditionally permitted to Réunion, provided they are accompanied by a permit issued by the relevant authority of the… source
San MarinoPharmaceuticals / Medicinal ProductsConditionalPatented medicines (including sera, vaccines, and insecticides) from countries other than San Marino, and dietetic products not registered in San Marino, are c… source
SenegalPharmaceuticals / Medicinal DrugsConditionalPharmaceuticals for human medicine are conditionally permitted provided an import permit issued by the Direction de la pharmacie is attached; pharmaceuticals f… source
South KoreaHealth functional foods and pharmaceuticals / medicinesConditionalShipments containing health functional foods or pharmaceuticals/medicines imported into Korea require the recipient to complete import customs clearance declar… source
SwedenPharmaceutical products / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may only be shipped to Sweden if the recipient is a person authorized to sell or manufacture with the medicine in Sweden,… source
TurkeyPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMost medicines require prior authorization from Turkey's Ministry of Health; however, small quantities for the recipient's personal use are permitted without a… source
United Arab EmiratesMedicines / PharmaceuticalsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals may only be shipped to the United Arab Emirates if prior authorization has been obtained from the relevant authorities of the des… source
United StatesPharmaceuticals / MedicinesConditionalMedicines and pharmaceuticals may only be shipped to the United States if FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approval has been obtained, including for per… source
VanuatuPharmaceuticals / Medicinal ProductsConditionalCertain pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements are conditionally permitted, provided they are accompanied by a permit issued by the Central Pharmacy Servi… source
Vatican CityMedicines / Pharmaceutical ProductsConditionalMedicines and pharmaceutical products may be shipped to Vatican City under conditional terms: a certificate from an Italian pharmacist or health institute must… source
No destination-specific rule for medicine in the other 87 destinations

Japan Post's carrier-wide rules above still apply to each of them, and so does the destination's general customs law. No rule is not a statement that the item can be sent.

Not sure about a specific item?

This page lists Japan Post's rules. The ShipMate GO app checks your actual item against them, asks the one or two questions a conditional rule needs, and tells you the outcome before anything is charged. Sending a parcel from Japan? Booking is free and you pay once, after weighing. Shopping from abroad with Shop for Me? Anything that can't ship is dropped from your order before you pay for the goods.

Common questions

Can I send over-the-counter Japanese medicine?
Only where the destination's rule allows it, usually in a personal-use quantity and sometimes with documentation. Several destinations prohibit all medicines by post. Check the destination row below, then the exact product in the ShipMate GO app.
Which destinations prohibit medicine entirely?
The table on this page shows every covered destination whose own rules prohibit medicines by post, with Japan Post's wording; in the current rules they include Norway, Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Narcotics and psychotropic substances are refused to every destination and are listed under related rules.
Do supplements count as medicine?
Some destinations group supplements and vitamins with medicines, others with health foods. Where a destination has such a rule it appears under related rules on this page.

Reading this page as a program or AI assistant?

The same rules are published in forms built for that. None of them needs an API key. An item that is not listed has no specific rule here, which is not the same as being allowed.

JSON
This guide is built from one JSON read per destination: https://www-api.shipmate.jp/restrictions/rules?destination_country={alpha-3}&scope=destination, plus scope=carrier_global. No API key is needed.
MCP
https://www-api.shipmate.jp/mcp, tool shipmate.get_restriction_rules

Site-wide guidance for agents is at /llms.txt.

Sources

Japan Post's page for each carrier-wide and destination rule above (110)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Medicines / Pharmaceuticals
United Arab Emirates
Medicines / Pharmaceuticals

Based on carrier-published restriction data. Final acceptance is decided by the carrier and destination customs; general import rules of the destination still apply.

Japan Post sets these rules; ShipMate publishes them and ships under them. Rule text is Japan Post's, translated and summarised, and every rule links to its source. The rule table refreshes daily; the written answer is reviewed by a person and dated above. Full carrier-wide list · All item guides