Is Fioricet Legal in Japan?
Conditional — quantity threshold applies
Fioricet (Butalbital) is allowed into Japan for personal use without a permit, provided you carry no more than 4.5 g in oral (non-injectable) form. Above the threshold or for injectable forms, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) before travel.
Japan status
Conditional
Quantity threshold
4.5 g
Substance class
Psychotropic
Why is Fioricet controlled in Japan?
Butalbital is a Schedule II psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.
Doctor letter & quantity rules
- 1No certificate or permission is required if you carry ≤ the quantity threshold AND the form is non-injectable (oral only).
- 2If you are above the threshold OR carrying an injectable form, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) before travel.
- 3Carry the prescription bottle in original pharmacy packaging with the patient label legible.
- 4We recommend a doctor's letter listing your diagnosis, drug name, daily dose, and trip length — even when below the threshold, customs may ask.
Above the threshold? Apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) — the MHLW equivalent of an import permit for psychotropics over the personal-use limit.
MHLW Yakkan Shoumei guidanceFrequently asked questions
Is Fioricet allowed in Japan?▼
Yes, up to 4.5 g of butalbital in oral form. A 50 mg × 90-tablet supply (4.5 g) is exactly at the threshold.
Related medications
Check your full travel kit
Fioricet is just one medication — most travelers carry several. Our free checker reviews your entire prescription list against Japan’s import rules.
Check all my medicationsSource: MHLW Narcotics Control Department — Controlled Substances List (12 Dec 2024). Page last reviewed 2026-05-31 by Dr. Lo and Dr. Lee (PharmD). Regulations change — verify with the MHLW Narcotics Control Department before travel. This page is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your prescribing physician or from a Japanese customs authority.