Can I bring Zimovane to Korea?

Q: Can I bring Zimovane to Korea?

Zimovane requires prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before you travel. Korea lists zopiclone in annex 6 of the Narcotics Control Act enforcement decree, so you need written MFDS approval before entering with it. Racemic zopiclone is not currently marketed in Korea; its S-isomer eszopiclone is, so a Korean doctor can switch you to an equivalent for a longer stay. Source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Permit to Bring in Narcotics) (last verified 2026-08-23).

Zopiclone · Imovane · Zimovane

Approval
Required사전 승인 필요

MFDS permit

Required, 3-4 wks ahead

Max quantity

Approved amount, max 90-day supply

Declare at customs

Yes, goods-to-declare channel

How many can I bring? Enter your daily dose:

tablets/capsules per day

Zimovane (active ingredient: Zopiclone) requires prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before you travel.

Korea lists zopiclone in annex 6 of the Narcotics Control Act enforcement decree, so you need written MFDS approval before entering with it. Racemic zopiclone is not currently marketed in Korea; its S-isomer eszopiclone is, so a Korean doctor can switch you to an equivalent for a longer stay.

How to apply for MFDS approval →

How Korea classifies it

Under the Narcotics Control Act, Zopiclone is a psychotropic substance (향정신성의약품), listed in annex 6 of the enforcement decree, the schedule for psychotropic medicines in medical use with comparatively lower abuse risk. The classification attaches to the substance itself, so it applies to every product, brand, and dosage form that contains it. That is why the entry rule does not depend on how much you carry or whether your home prescription is valid: the substance triggers the permit requirement on its own.

Before you fly

1.Apply for the MFDS self-treatment permit at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure, online at nedrug.mfds.go.kr or by email to narcotics@korea.kr. Results are issued within 10 business days.
2.Prepare a passport copy, your flight itinerary, the prescription, and a doctor's note stating diagnosis and daily dose, in Korean or English. The permit covers up to a 90-day supply.
3.Pack the medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached. Loose pills in an unmarked container invite questions you do not want at the border.
4.On arrival, take the goods-to-declare channel and show the permit with the medication.

Questions

Can I buy zopiclone in a Korean pharmacy?

No. The MFDS drug database has no racemic zopiclone product. Korean doctors prescribe eszopiclone (the S-isomer, sold as Jopista and generics) or zolpidem instead, so an equivalent is available with a local prescription.

Related medications

Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Mydayis, Dexedrine)
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, Elvanse, Tyvense)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)
Zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox, Edluar)
Alprazolam (Xanax, Kalma)
Diazepam (Valium, Antenex, Valpam)

Source Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Permit to Bring in Narcotics)
Verified 2026-08-23

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MedsToKorea is an independent site with no affiliation to the Korean government. Travel preparation only, not medical or legal advice. Regulations change: confirm with the MFDS, Korea Customs Service, or a Korean embassy before traveling. We store no searches and no health data.