Codeine (Medication) 🇨🇦 Canada
Available OTC in low doses; prescription for higher
Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into Canada?
Available OTC in low doses; prescription for higher
Personal use
- Original prescription from licensed physician (for prescription-strength formulations)
- Medication in original pharmacy-labelled packaging
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Canada is one of the few countries where low-dose codeine (8mg per tablet) remains available over-the-counter when combined with other analgesics. Travelers can bring personal codeine supplies freely. Higher-dose codeine (30mg+) is prescription-only. No special documentation required for personal use quantities.
Leaving Canada with codeine (medication)
Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; Precursor Control Regulations framework. Personal-use quantities accompanied by the prescription and pharmacist dispensing label are generally permitted for export. Codeine-combination cough and cold products may be over-the-counter in some jurisdictions but still controlled for cross-border movement above threshold quantities. Personal export above the standard personal-use limit requires an Health Canada authorisation for above-schedule quantities. Destination-country rules on codeine import are more restrictive in many jurisdictions (Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states) and should be verified independently.
No special procedure is required for personal quantities of codeine (medication) arriving in Canada. Quantities above duty-free allowances must still be declared. Verify current limits with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Personal use
- Original prescription from licensed physician (for prescription-strength formulations)
- Medication in original pharmacy-labelled packaging
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Narcotic Control Regulations
This page covers destination customs rules in Canada. Whether you can carry codeine (medication) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Codeine (Medication) rules in other countries
Codeine (Medication)
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Controlled narcotic. Must declare and carry a valid prescription and Ministry of Health permit.
Codeine (Medication)
🇯🇵 Japan
Requires a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate for quantities exceeding one month's supply.
Codeine (Medication)
🇸🇬 Singapore
Controlled drug. Requires prior authorisation from HSA for amounts exceeding 3 days' supply.
Codeine (Medication)
🇦🇺 Australia
Prescription required since 2018
Codeine (Medication)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Prescription-only since 2021 reclassification
Codeine (Medication)
🇩🇪 Germany
BtM prescription required