6th Report of Market Access Ombudsman Council (March 16, 2000)

7-(3) Simplifying import procedures for poisonous and deleterious substances for private use

1. Complainant: Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry

2. Ministry concerned: Ministry of Health and Welfare

3. Complaint:

When poisonous and deleterious substances are imported for private use, they must be accompanied by a Pharmaceutical inspector's certificate (so called "Yakkan Shomei"). Obtaining the certificate requires considerable documentation and import procedures are delayed because it takes 3-4 days between applying for and receiving the certificate.
The documentation required should be reduced and the time to issue the certificate should be shortened as well.

4. Corresponding Policy of the Ministries concerned:

The Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law requires the registration of those who import these substances for the purpose of sale or distribution. When these substances are imported for private use, no registration as an importer is required.
However, in order to confirm that these are for private use and not for sale or distribution, importers are required to obtain a Pharmaceutical inspector's certificate (so called "Yakkan-Shomei").
Because there is a strong risk to humans depending on how such substances are used, a document describing method of use is necessary, in order to confirm that the substances are used properly. The other documents are the minimum required for confirming that no import business permit is needed, and the number of documents required cannot be reduced.
Concerning time frame, if the application for the certificate is directly brought to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the certificate will be issued on the spot after verification of the contents. Applications by postal mail are also processed immediately within a day.

5. Remarks
The complainant accepted this policy.