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Japan

Asia

Last reviewed: 2026-04

Travelling to Japan with snus or nicotine pouches? Both are restricted in Japan. Cigarettes are legal for adults aged 20+. This page covers the legal status of snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, and vaping in Japan as of 2026-04, with official sources where available.

Snus

Restricted

Legal basis: Tobacco Business Act (煙草事業法)

Tobacco-based snus is legal to sell and buy under the Tobacco Business Act. Adults may purchase freely.

Legal aggregator

Nicotine Pouches

Restricted

Legal basis: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (薬機法)

Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are regulated as pharmaceutical products requiring a license. No products have received such a license, making them effectively commercially unavailable.

Legal aggregator

Cigarettes

Legal

Minimum age: 20+

Cigarettes legal 20+. Tobacco Business Act regulates manufacture and sale. Health warnings required. Widespread vending machine restrictions.

Official source

Vape / E-cigarettes

Restricted

Legal basis: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (薬機法); Tobacco Business Act

Nicotine e-cigarettes and e-liquids cannot be sold commercially without pharmaceutical approval (none granted). Heated tobacco products (e.g. IQOS) are legal. Non-nicotine e-cigarettes are legal. Personal import of small quantities of nicotine e-liquid is a grey area tolerated by customs.

Official source

Personal Import

Snus
Allowed
Nicotine Pouches
Unknown

Sources

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes and vaping change frequently. Always verify the current legal status with official government sources before travelling. NicotineAtlas assumes no liability for actions taken based on information presented here.