Bringing my Protein powder and Creatine to Japan ok?

[McPumpPumpy]

Kind of a private and secretive question, so I'll keep it simple and anonymous.

Is it possible to bring my case of creatine and protein powder for continuing my exercise to Japan in my suitcase? Is it legal? Are there problems with customs? If this is not possible, is it easy to find in Japan for a decent price?

Thank you everyone.

 

[nice gaijin]

It's expensive, but I've seen several different kinds of protein mix here. I wouldn't expect any trouble bringing it in your check-in, but there's always a possibility that it'll at least get a double check from customs (it is big bag of suspicious powder). I don't know about the legality of creatine here though.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

You can buy creatine at most local sports stores and probably some pharmacies if you look hard enough. Creatine is by no means illegal here, but getting it through customs may be more trouble than it's worth for the reasons nice gaijin pointed out.

Alternatively, you could just buy your supplements upon arriving in Japan.

 

[Iron Chef]

Yeah, Creatine (and other wheat germ/soy protein powders) are all available legally in stores here in Japan. Like the others have already stated, save yourself the trouble of having to potentially explain yourself at customs and just buy the product once you get here. Most major sporting goods stores carry fully lines (Xebio Supersports in my area has a full wall dedicated to supplements).

 

[tigermilk]

Just flash your passport, say you have nothing to declare, and walk right through. In the 15 or so times I've been the only time I've been stopped is once when I had my bike in a big bike case. I did see one guy getting the once-over from customs. White guy with long dreadlocks was getting his bags thoroughly searched. Some profiling going on there. Just looked over at him, grinned, he grinned back and just shook his head.

 

[JerseyBoy]

As long as it is for your personal consumption, you should be able to import it into Japan. For personal consumption (typically, 1 or 2 months supply), there is no need to go through the other agency's permission other than the regular clearance through Japanese Customs. But, once you are brining in lots of supplies in one shot or consecutively, your shipment may get snagged by Customs. It's a gamble. You could get away with it or you can get caught. It's impossible to inspect every single package coming into Japan.
I am not talking about the hand carry when you land in Japan. For that, the above post should get you through Customs.