Can you bring CBD to Japan? Importing process and standards
Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and one of the biggest markets for healthcare products. With a strong tradition of using natural remedies, many people ask, is CBD legal in Japan? The short answer is yes—however, regulations have evolved significantly. Japan opened its CBD market to global players in 2013, sparking questions like "Can you bring CBD to Japan" or "Is CBD legal in Japan?" and "How does CBD in Japan differ from elsewhere?"
In the early days, authorities allowed imports of CBD oils containing less than 0.3% THC, but the legal framework soon shifted in response to potential loopholes.
Some importers exploited the system by bringing in high-THC or liquid marijuana in Japan under the guise of CBD. Consequently, the government tightened regulations on CBD oil in Japan, ultimately outlawing any detectable THC. Today, products must be fully THC-free to enter the country, making it vital for importers and consumers to stay updated on the latest rules.
Overview of Japanese CBD Regulations and Laws
Japan has revised its THC regulations, now allowing CBD products with THC content below 1 ppm (0.001%) to be legally imported. This marks a shift from the previous zero-tolerance policy, which strictly prohibited even trace amounts of THC. This is governed by both the Cannabis Control Act (CCA) and the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act (NPCA), which impose severe penalties for products exceeding the permitted THC threshold.
Under Japan’s 2025 rules, CBD extracted from any part of the hemp plant—including leaves, flowers, stalks, and seeds—is now allowed, provided that the final product’s THC content remains under 1 ppm. This is a major departure from earlier policies that restricted extraction to mature stalks and seeds. Importers no longer need to submit extensive extraction documentation, but a Certificate of Analysis (COA) proving compliance with the 1 ppm THC limit is mandatory. Products exceeding this limit are classified as illegal cannabis and subject to strict penalties.
This regulatory update expands the range of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products available in Japan, provided they meet the strict THC content threshold. Businesses and importers must ensure rigorous product testing and compliance with Japan’s updated standards.
Criteria & Policies for Importing CBD into Japan
Before importing any CBD product into Japan, you must obtain import permission from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)’s Department of Drug Control. Recent updates to Japanese regulations have simplified the import process, but strict THC compliance remains essential.
- Certificate of Ingredients: Lists all ingredients in the product.
- Origin Certification – Confirms the product's country of origin.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Verifies CBD concentration and demonstrates THC levels are below detectable limits, including all additives.
Unlike previous regulations, photographic evidence and detailed extraction process documentation are no longer mandatory. However, importers must still prove that THC levels remain below the legal threshold. Due to Japan’s strict enforcement of CBD laws, hiring a local consultant or legal expert remains advisable to ensure full compliance.
Importing CBD into Japan from the EU
So, can you bring CBD to Japan from the EU? The procedure is similar to the standard process. First, you must secure authorization from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) by submitting all the required documents. Including a certificate that confirms the product's origin is recommended, as European certificates are highly regarded by Japanese authorities.
Unlike past restrictions, CBD extracted from any part of the hemp plant—leaves, flowers, stalks, or seeds—is now permitted, as long as THC levels comply with the 1 ppm limit. However, EU regulations allow CBD products with up to 0.2–0.3% THC, making it crucial for importers to ensure that their products meet Japan’s much stricter standards before shipment.
Finally, note that Japan typically imposes low duty rates—generally below 5%—and a 10% VAT on imported goods, making importing CBD into Japan from the EU relatively cost-effective if all compliance requirements are met.
Importing CBD into Japan from other Countries
Importing CBD into Japan from other countries would need to follow a similar procedure as mentioned above.
- Authorization: Obtain import permission from MHLW, submitting all required documents.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Each batch must include a COA confirming THC levels below 1 ppm, along with an invoice and packing list.
- Metric Compliance: All documents and packaging must use the metric system.
- Certificate of Origin: Providing proof of product origin is recommended.
- Duty & VAT: Importers benefit from favorable duty rates for many developing nations, but all products incur a 10% VAT along with customs duties before sale.
This streamlined process applies universally, ensuring that importing CBD into Japan from other countries meets standards.
Importing CBD into Japan to Sell
Importing CBD to sell in Japan is legal, but businesses must comply with strict regulations:
- THC Limit Compliance: CBD products must contain less than 1 ppm (0.001%) THC. This is the only permissible THC level for imported products.
- Regulatory Checks: Japanese authorities conduct inspections to ensure products meet compliance standards and cannot be used recreationally.
- MHLW Approval: Importers must provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) proving THC compliance and meet MHLW import requirements.
- Quarantine Clearance: Consumable CBD products require inspection by Quarantine Stations under the Food Sanitation Act to verify they are free from microbiological and biological hazards before being sold.
This approach ensures that all CBD products entering the Japanese market comply fully with local regulations, protecting both consumers and businesses.
Importing Hemp into Japan
Importing hemp oil into Japan follows a similar process as CBD imports. However, under Japan’s updated regulations, hemp-derived products must comply with the new 1 ppm (0.001%) THC limit. Products derived from seeds and stalks are generally permitted, while extracts from leaves or flowers are now allowed—provided they meet THC restrictions.
For hemp food products such as candies or gummies, businesses must prove that the hemp was sourced from legally acceptable plant parts and that THC levels remain within the legal limit.
When importing hemp seeds, the seeds must be treated to prevent germination—typically by heating them to 90°C for at least one hour. A certificate confirming this treatment is required. Importing hemp seeds for cultivation remains illegal unless done by an MHLW-authorized hemp cultivator.
Japan does not allow the import of animal or livestock feed containing hemp cake or extracts. Similarly, CBD products for veterinary use remain prohibited. Additionally, Japan has a strict ban on the export of cannabis, meaning that if a shipment fails compliance checks—for example, if it contains unauthorized plant parts or THC above 1 ppm—it will be destroyed rather than returned to the country of origin.
Summary
Let's summarise, "Can you bring CBD to Japan?"
Japan has long maintained strict cannabis regulations, treating hemp and marijuana as the same under the law. However, with recent updates in 2025, the country has adopted a more defined legal framework for CBD imports.
Japan now allows the import of CBD extracted from any part of the hemp plant, including leaves and flowers, as long as the THC content does not exceed 1 ppm (0.001%). This marks a significant shift from past regulations that only permitted extracts from stalks and seeds. Hemp seed oil remains CBD-free and is widely used for industrial and nutritional purposes.
While CBD oil for oral use remains highly regulated, CBD-based cosmetics and topicals with zero THC are legally imported and sold. To ensure compliance, importers must obtain prior approval from the Drug Control Department (MHLW, commonly referred to as "Matori"), and submit a Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifying THC compliance.
Despite Japan’s historically strict policies, the country is becoming a market to watch. Since 2022, MHLW’s Cannabis Control Review Subcommittee has been working on new regulations, gradually paving the way for a more open CBD market. These updates signal a promising future for CBD in Japan, as the nation refines its approach to cannabis-related products.
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