Update to Healthcare and Medicines Policy (January 2025)

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In January 2025, the Japan country-specifics of the Healthcare and medicines policy will be updated to allow online pharmacies and telemedicine providers to promote prescription drug services.

The Japan country-specifics will be updated to the following, and applications will open when the policy launches. This update will not affect current policy for retailers of over-the-counter medicines.

Product

Allowed?

Online pharmacies, telemedicine

Allowed with limitations Google allows the promotion of online medicine retailers, online pharmacies, and telemedicine that meet the following requirements. Online medicine retailers must have a valid license and be registered with the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW). Online pharmacies must meet one of the following requirements in order to promote prescription drug services: Hold a valid license as a pharmacy and be registered with the MHLW or Be certified as an online pharmacy by LegitScript’s Healthcare Merchant Certification Program Telemedicine providers must meet one of the following requirements in order to promote prescription drug services: Hold a valid license as a medical institution and be registered with the MHLW or Be certified as a telemedicine provider by LegitScript’s Healthcare Merchant Certification Program Advertisers must also be certified with Google. See how to apply.

Violations of this policy will not lead to immediate account suspension without prior warning. A warning will be issued, at least 7 days, prior to any suspension of your account.

(Posted on November 21, 2024)