Japan
Last reviewed: 2026-06
Travelling to Japan with snus or nicotine pouches? Snus is legal and nicotine pouches are restricted. Cigarettes are legal for adults aged 20+. This page covers the legal status of snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, vaping, and heated tobacco in Japan as of 2026-06, with official sources where available.
Snus
LegalMinimum age: 20+
Legal basis: Tobacco Business Act (γγ°γδΊζ₯ζ³)
Tobacco-based snus contains tobacco leaf and falls under the Tobacco Business Act. It is legal to sell, buy and use for adults (20+), though commercially uncommon. Personal import for own use is permitted.
Nicotine Pouches
RestrictedMinimum age: 20+
Legal basis: Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, θ¬ζ©ζ³)
Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are regulated as pharmaceutical products requiring a license to sell or import commercially. No product has received such a license, so they are effectively commercially unavailable, though not outright banned. Personal import for own use is reported as permitted within limits.
Cigarettes
LegalMinimum age: 20+
Legal basis: Tobacco Business Act (γγ°γδΊζ₯ζ³)
Combustible cigarettes are legal and widely sold under the Tobacco Business Act, administered with Japan Tobacco. Minimum purchase age is 20.
Vape / E-cigarettes
RestrictedMinimum age: 20+
Legal basis: Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (θ¬ζ©ζ³)
Nicotine-containing e-liquids are regulated as pharmaceuticals and cannot be sold commercially in Japan; nicotine-free vapes are legal. Individuals may import nicotine e-liquid for personal use within strict quantity limits (up to 120ml).
Heated Tobacco (IQOS)
LegalMinimum age: 20+
Legal basis: Tobacco Business Act (γγ°γδΊζ₯ζ³)
Heated tobacco products (IQOS, glo, Ploom) are legal and extremely popular in Japan, regulated as tobacco products. Japan is the world's largest HTP market. Minimum age 20.
Personal Import
Personal-use amounts permitted; no snus-specific customs limit found.
Personal import reportedly allowed under quantity limits; pharmaceutical-product import rules apply.
Sources
- AGG
- AGGTobacco Control Laws β JapanAccessed 2026-06
- AGG
- AGGEcigator β Vape laws and regulations in JapanAccessed 2026-06
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, vaping and heated tobacco 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.