Japan to allow nearly all over-the-counter drugs to be sold online

Ministry plans to end in-person rule for nonprescription medications as early as 2025

Three-quarters of Japanese want medications that have recently become available over the counter to also be available online, a recent survey by the Japan Association of New Economy indicates. © Reuters

ASUKA OKUBO, Nikkei staff writer

November 24, 2023 03:04 JST

TOKYO -- Japan plans to allow almost all over-the-counter medications to be sold online as early as 2025, expanding access to certain drugs currently only available in person at select pharmacies.

Online sales of regular nonprescription drugs have been allowed since 2014. Home delivery of prescription medications has also been allowed since last year, part of changes prompted by COVID-19.