Codeine (Medication) 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Prescription-only since 2021 reclassification
Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into United Kingdom?
Prescription-only since 2021 reclassification
3 months supply
- Valid prescription
- Original pharmacy packaging
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Codeine was reclassified from pharmacy-only to prescription-only in the UK in 2021 for formulations above 12.8mg per dose. Travelers may bring personal supplies with a valid prescription. Co-codamol (codeine + paracetamol) is the most common UK codeine product.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 250–20000 GBP
- Civil penalty only
Leaving United Kingdom with codeine (medication)
Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001; Home Office personal-import/export licence for schedule 1-3 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 Home Office personal-export licence. 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 United Kingdom and carry any documentation specified in the rule. Verify current requirements with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) before travel.
3 months supply
- Valid prescription
- Original pharmacy packaging
Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Human Medicines Regulations 2012
This page covers destination customs rules in United Kingdom. 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)
🇩🇪 Germany
BtM prescription required
Codeine (Medication)
🇨🇦 Canada
Available OTC in low doses; prescription for higher