Quasi drugs

 Latest update: May 2024 

Quasi-drugs are medicines for the purpose of prevention of symptoms and hygiene: they have a weaker effect on the human body than medicines. Some products, such as nutritional drinks, shampoos, and hair-growth products, are considered “quasi-drugs”, whereas skincare products that are less effective than “quasi-drugs” are classified as cosmetics.

This different category of products, which doesn't have an EU counterpart, imply vastly different standards and regulations than other pharmaceutical products. Pre-marketing approvals, registration of ingredients and means of manufacturing are highly regulated for these over-the counter products. Thus, EU companies need to consider a variety of new aspects for their implementation on the Japanese market.

> For more information on Cosmetics, please visit our specific sectorial page

 

Table of Contents

  • Overview
  • Main regulating agencies
  • Regulation standards & Specific regulations
  • Future Outlook & Strategies
  • Expert Reports & Webinars
  • Annual Report
  • Further Readings
  • Relevant Organisations and Trade Fairs
Please log in for full access
We use a selection of our own and third-party cookies on the pages of this website. If you choose "ACCEPT ALL", you consent to the use of all cookies. You can accept and reject individual cookie types.
Related
Subscribe to
our newsletters

The EU-Japan Centre currently produces 5 newsletters :

  • EU-Japan NEWS - our flagship newsletter covering the Centre's support services, information about EU (or Member States) - Japan cooperation
  • Japanese Industry and Policy News
  • “About Japan” e-News (Only available for EU companies / EU organisations)
  • Japan Tax and Public Procurement Weekly Tender Digest (Only available for EU companies / EU organisations)
  • Tech Transfer Helpdesk Newsletter
配信登録
Brussels
Tokyo
1 EUR = 159,170 JPY