Japan:
Back to country profile
Quick links to detailed datasheets for Japan
Cigarettes E-cigarettes Snus Pouches HTP NRT
Data sourced: 2024.   Page updated: 2024-04-09

In Japan it is illegal to sell nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as they are categorised as medicinal products, and as of yet none have been approved in this manner. However, Japanese vapers can import up to one month's supply of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes for their own individual use. E-cigarettes without nicotine are not regulated. Restrictions on vaping indoors in public places exist.

Prevalence

2.1 million
1
2017
1.9%
2
2017
globe
11.4%
2
2017
References:
  1. 1. Tabuchi, T. et al (2017) Heat-not-burn tobacco product use in Japan: its prevalence, predictors and perceived symptoms from exposure to secondhand heat-not-burn tobacco aerosol. Tobacco Control. https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2017/12/15/tobaccocontrol-2017-053947?papetoc=#DC1 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
  2. Tabuchi, T. et al (2017) Heat-not-burn tobacco product use in Japan: its prevalence, predictors and perceived symptoms from exposure to secondhand heat-not-burn tobacco aerosol. Tobacco Control. https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2017/12/15/tobaccocontrol-2017-053947?papetoc=#DC1

Regulation

Year Value Reference/Comment
1001 Banned 1A
2024 Banned 1B
References:
  1. Data cross-referenced where possible using the following sources :1. Vapetrotter website. Available at: https://www.vapetrotter.com/laws/ ; 2. Global tobacco control website. Available at:https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/node/14052 ; 3. Tobacco Control Laws website. Available at : https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/
  2. Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices—Japanese/English— Japanese Law Translation. (1960). https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3213
Year Value Reference/Comment
1001 Yes 1A
2024 Yes 1B
References:
  1. Data cross-referenced where possible using the following sources :1. Vapetrotter website. Available at: https://www.vapetrotter.com/laws/ ; 2. Global tobacco control website. Available at:https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/node/14052 ; 3. Tobacco Control Laws website. Available at : https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/
  2. Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices—Japanese/English— Japanese Law Translation. (1960). https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3213
References:
  1. Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices—Japanese/English— Japanese Law Translation. (1960). https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3213

Availability

Yes
Yes
No
No

Regulations and restrictions

Yes
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.