Hello all,
I was very recently prescribed vyvanse, like last week, which my doctor wanted me to start. I have a trip planned to Tokyo where I land Sunday, and submitted my permission form for the government Monday. They messaged me back today saying it wasn’t enough time for the permit, however I’m getting conflicting information about the form.
The Tokyo department emailed me back and said if it’s under a quantity less than 30 I wouldn’t need any forms to carry. (I put 30 because I had a refill but would happily leave them at my home). However the site says I still need an entry form. I’m a bit confused and don’t want to carry Vyvanse where it’s an issue at customs. I asked for emergency approval but haven’t gotten any type of response. Does anyone have any experience with this? Should I just pack them in my carry on as I do every trip?
1 comment
The information about how to import Vyvanse is conflicting. I assume this has a lot to do with the fact that this particular medication was approved in Japan for use in only children within the last year or year and a half.
Here is what the Narcotics Control Department says.
> Can I bring VYVANSE (*approved in the US, for ADHD treatment, also authorized in other countries named as ELVANSE, VENVANSE, ADUVANZ, TYVENSE, etc.) into Japan?
> Yes. Lisdexamfetamine, API of VYVANSE, is controlled as “Stimulants’ Raw Materials” under the Stimulants Control Act.
> You can import/export it into/from Japan, by getting an advanced permission.
[SOURCE](https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application.html#narcotics)
Also from a form produced by the IOC:
> There are two potential alternatives to stimulants for the treatment of ADHD that can be brought to Japan.
> Lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse) is a stimulants’ raw material and requires a Yakkan-Shoumei for import of any amount into Japan.
> Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a psychotropic medication. If you bring less than a 30-day supply or 2.16 gm, you do not need anything to import this medication. If you bring more than 2.16 gm, you will need to bring an import and export certificate. If you bring more than 30-day supply, you will need a Yakkan-Shoumei.
[SOURCE](https://inside.fei.org/system/files/Bringing%20medication%20for%20personal%20use%20into%20Japan%2016July2021.pdf)
But then some embassies state:
> If you intend to bring more than 2.16g, you will need to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei. Vyvanse is classified as a general prescription medicine, and you will need to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei if you intend to bring more than a month’s supply.
So, as you stated, the dilemma is: are you able to bring in less than 30 days? Or do you need a form for any amount?
I am not a Japanese customs official, so I don’t feel comfortable giving you an answer any which way. However, as a resident of Japan, I would highly advise you against bringing stimulants in your carry-on until you can have written confirmation from someone in the Japanese government that says if you bring less than 30 days, you do not need a form. I would then print out that response you received and bring that with you to the airport and keep it with your medication in case there are any issues.
Also, them telling you that they wouldn’t be able to give you the form in the amount of time is BS. I have seen them do it on a 24 hour or less turnaround. So I would keep pushing them.
I am leaving this post locked just to cut down on the amount of false information that could be spread around. However, if anyone has a current success story about bringing this medication into Japan without any paperwork, please send a note to mod mail. This would have to be someone that brought in this medication within last six months. Like I said, I’m pretty sure the law changed within the last year.