Checked 14 October 2026 · Independent guide by East&Well.
Short answer
Taking other medicines too? Check them all for your trip
The rule
Japan treats pseudoephedrine as a “stimulants’ raw material”. Products with 10% pseudoephedrine or less are excluded; above that you need permission before you travel. US labels don’t show the share.
What to do
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for one without pseudoephedrine. Or ask Japan’s Narcotics Control Department about your exact product at least 14 days before you arrive.
The rule
Ordinary medicines: up to 6 bottles or a 3-month supply. You must be able to show they’re for your own use: a prescription, a medical certificate or the pharmacy label.
What to do
Keep them in the original packaging. You may be asked for a receipt.
Sources
Korean government notice: bringing medicines into Korea; US Embassy in Korea: controlled substances
Checked 14 October 2026
The rule
Pseudoephedrine isn’t on China’s 2025 lists of controlled medicines, and we haven’t found an official rule for travellers.
What to do
Ask the Chinese embassy or consulate near you before you pack it.
The same medicine, as it’s written in each country. Not yet checked by a pharmacist.
Japan treats pseudoephedrine as a “stimulants’ raw material”. Products with 10% pseudoephedrine or less are excluded; above that you need permission before you travel. US labels don’t show the share. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for one without pseudoephedrine. Or ask Japan’s Narcotics Control Department about your exact product at least 14 days before you arrive.
Ordinary medicines: up to 6 bottles or a 3-month supply. You must be able to show they’re for your own use: a prescription, a medical certificate or the pharmacy label. Keep them in the original packaging. You may be asked for a receipt.
Pseudoephedrine isn’t on China’s 2025 lists of controlled medicines, and we haven’t found an official rule for travellers. Ask the Chinese embassy or consulate near you before you pack it.
What this page is
A plain summary of each government’s own rules, with links, checked 14 October 2026.
What it isn’t
Legal or medical advice. Rules change, and the officer at the border has the final say.