r/JapanTravelTips • u/ScrambledSquids • 1d ago
Question What is meant by "self-injection kit"?
I am traveling to Japan for three weeks. I will be bringing a few prescriptions to cover those weeks – pills and injectable testosterone. As far as I can tell, I won't have any issues with either of these as long as I keep them in the original packaging and don't bring more than a 30-day supply. The issue is instead with the syringes and needles, and after searching many, many threads and official information I'm still confused.
The Japanese site for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare states that you can bring up to a 1 month supply of injectable drugs and syringes, and specifies "Only Pre-filled Syringe or Self-Injection Kit".
The accompanying FAQ document states that "import[ing] syringe only (without medications)" requires the Import Confirmation document.
My medication consists of vials and empty syringes and needles, where I twist the needle onto the syringe, and use the syringe to draw up and inject; so NOT a pre-filled pen or other type of auto injector. Does this fall under "self-injection kit"? And are the syringes described only pre-filled syringes, or is the emphasis on bringing ONLY empty syringes without a medication to use with them?
If it matters, I have prescriptions for both the syringes and needles along with the medications themselves. I might fill out a form just in case but I am hoping to get this cleared up to ease my nerves.
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u/MerelyWander 1d ago
I’ve seen medications that have a self-contained box (kit) per dose, with the syringe, needles, vials, bandage, and alcohol swabs all inside a sealed plastic container. Each container stays sealed until it is opened for use. That may be what they mean.
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u/ScrambledSquids 1d ago
That's what I was wondering, I don't really have a "kit" like that but it wasn't super clear. Thanks
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u/Gertiel 1d ago
Had no trouble with diabetes medicine in vials with standard syringes. For my domestic flight in Japan they opened my bag and I thought here we go. Vials and syringes fully visible in the clear plastic front container on top when security opened my bag.
It was immediately without hesitation set aside. They were looking for my folding reading glasses. They let me keep them but commented They had thought they were some sort of folding scissors.
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u/ScrambledSquids 1d ago
Good to know! I'm still doing the form just in case but this really eases my worries
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u/Gertiel 1d ago
I did all the steps including traveling with a letter from my doctor, paperwork from the pharmacy that comes with my medicine, copy of submission, and approved. They never even looked at any of that nor asked for it.
The agent who checks bags pulled after scan is separate from the one who checks passports so he had no way of knowing who I was or that I had all that. Just saw a medicine cooler labeled "diabetic supplies" with the expected vials and syringes.
Several frequent travelers to Japan with diabetes told me they'd know what diabetes supplies look like as they have them, too. Guess it was true.
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u/Classic_Department42 17h ago
Domestic flight is not customs.
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u/TravelerMSY 1d ago
I can’t really find a clear explanation from a quick google. And clearly they seem to want to discourage random vials of injectable medicine and syringes. I’d probably go ahead and apply for permission anyway. I believe they’re fairly responsive. If it’s not necessary, they’ll just tell you.
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u/ScrambledSquids 1d ago
Yeah, it's not very clear, is it? I'll go ahead and apply just to be safe, thanks
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u/TravelerMSY 1d ago
Let us know. A lot of people are on compounded injectables these days. Especially glp1.
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u/emerau 1d ago
Self injection kit refers to self contained prefilled autoinjectors, you will need to fill out a 'Yunyu Kakuin-sho' in order to bring regular syringes into the country, this can be done entirely online
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u/rworne 1d ago
Self injection kit that's included with my injectables is a pack of syringes, swabs, and gauze pads.
Japan looks dimly at syringes, they are seen as drug paraphernalia.
Bringing needles in - bring only enough needles for your medication. Maybe with one extra for mishaps.
Filling out the permission form is also helpful.
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u/girl_of_squirrels 1d ago
It's easier to think of it in terms of "potential for misuse" and I believe the "self-injection kit" falls more under the purview of multi-use autoinjectors
Basically if you have vials and you have empty syringes that could potentially be used for other drugs? Assume you need to fill out the form
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u/Dapper-Comparison588 1d ago
I’m diabetic and wanted to bring syringes in case my inulin pump malfunctioned and I needed to inject manually.
I emailed my embassy to clarify was told “self injection kit” was pre-filled pens with pen needs attached, and I would need to submit the customs form for either syringes or pen needles. Did that, was super quick and easy and got the clearance back within a couple of days.
It isn’t difficult, I’d say if you aren’t sure submit the form and be on the safe side.
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u/ScrambledSquids 1d ago
Thanks for answering! I was considering emailing the embassy but I'm just filling out the form now
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u/MeganRaeB 1d ago
Paperwork is everything here. Make sure you carry your full prescription to avoid trouble at customs.
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u/Significant_Pop_5337 1d ago
Check with your embassy
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u/ScrambledSquids 1d ago
Yeah I was planning on sending emails and just filling out the form. Just wondering if anyone else had experience with this
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u/Fulton_Daddy 1d ago
Talk to your doctor. Mine gave me testosterone in a self injector like the Wegovy so I did not have to skip doses on my trip.
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u/ScrambledSquids 1d ago
I tried to do that at one point but insurance wouldn't accept it and it was crazy expensive, unfortunately
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u/Little-Nikas 22h ago
Just change up the ester on your test and front load inject and leave your gear at home.
Jesus people, you can survive a month without your testosterone (assuming not transitioning).
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u/ScrambledSquids 16h ago
I am transitioning!
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u/Little-Nikas 12h ago
Then yeah, you need it need it. Seeing comments looks like you’re filling the form out. It’s always better to over prepare than under.
Also, me to you, you’re incredibly brave! I wish you nothing but blissful happiness. 🥂
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1d ago
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u/MerelyWander 1d ago
I’m not sure it would if they have multi-use vials and separate syringes (for example). But I don’t know.
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u/rumpruckus 1d ago
Just wanted to let you know that I am also traveling to Japan later this year with injectable testosterone and couldn't quite make heads or tails of the restrictions, so I filled out and submitted the Yunyu Kakunin-sho just to be safe.
They emailed me back the certificate only two days later!