Codeine (Medication) 🇩🇪 Germany
BtM prescription required
Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into Germany?
BtM prescription required
Personal use supply
- BtM prescription or Schengen certificate
- Doctor's letter
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Codeine is a controlled substance in Germany under the Betäubungsmittelgesetz. Travelers need a BtM (narcotics) prescription or Schengen certificate for travel within Europe. Non-EU travelers should carry their prescription translated into German or English with a doctor's letter.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 250–5000 EUR
- Civil penalty only
Leaving Germany with codeine (medication)
Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the Betäubungsmittelgesetz § 4; Schengen Convention Art. 75 medication travel certificate 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 Schengen Article 75 certificate. Destination-country rules on codeine import are more restrictive in many jurisdictions (Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states) and should be verified independently.
Declare codeine (medication) at customs on arrival in Germany and carry any documentation specified in the rule. Verify current requirements with Zollkriminalamt / Zoll (German Customs — Federal Customs Administration) before travel.
Personal use supply
- BtM prescription or Schengen certificate
- Doctor's letter
Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG)
This page covers destination customs rules in Germany. 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)
🇨🇦 Canada
Available OTC in low doses; prescription for higher