What are the restrictions for sending Codeine (Medication) to United States?

Quantity/weight limits: DEA Schedule V (low-dose OTC) or Schedule III/II (higher doses); international mailing of controlled substances prohibited under 21 USC §§841, 952. Documentation required: DEA registration for commercial pharmaceutical importers (not available for personal mail), FDA import permit for prescription codeine products.

POSTING RULE

Send Codeine (Medication) → 🇺🇸 United States

Q: Can I post Codeine (Medication) to United States?

Postal restrictions apply for codeine (medication) Sending codeine (medication) by post to United States requires compliance with carrier dangerous goods policies and destination customs regulations. Verify current regulations with the destination customs authority. Rules change frequently and enforcement varies by port of entry and individual officer. Enforcement in United States carries fines from USD 250 to USD 10,000 under 19 USC § 1497 (failure to declare); 39 USC § 3005 (postal fraud) (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).

ANSWER

Can I post Codeine (Medication) to United States?

RESTRICTEDVERIFIED · 2026-07-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Postal restrictions apply for codeine (medication)

QUANTITY / LIMITS

DEA Schedule V (low-dose OTC) or Schedule III/II (higher doses); international mailing of controlled substances prohibited under 21 USC §§841, 952

DOCUMENTS

DEA registration for commercial pharmaceutical importers (not available for personal mail)
FDA import permit for prescription codeine products

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

cbp.gov

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Full Details

Sending codeine (medication) by post to United States requires compliance with carrier dangerous goods policies and destination customs regulations. Verify current regulations with the destination customs authority. Rules change frequently and enforcement varies by port of entry and individual officer. Enforcement in United States carries fines from USD 250 to USD 10,000 under 19 USC § 1497 (failure to declare); 39 USC § 3005 (postal fraud) (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Check carrier prohibited items list and customs declaration requirements. If unsure, declare on arrival — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods found in screening are seized and fined.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

cbp.gov cbp.gov

POSTING DETAILS

QUANTITY / WEIGHT LIMITS

DEA Schedule V (low-dose OTC) or Schedule III/II (higher doses); international mailing of controlled substances prohibited under 21 USC §§841, 952

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

—DEA registration for commercial pharmaceutical importers (not available for personal mail)
—FDA import permit for prescription codeine products

DESTINATION CUSTOMS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

COUNTRY POSTING NOTES

Postal imports follow the same $800 de minimis threshold. USPS international parcels are subject to CBP examination. Commercial shipments via post require formal entry if over $2,500.