Codeine (Medication) 🇺🇸 United States
Codeine (Medication) may require documentation or declaration
Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into United States?
Codeine (Medication) may require documentation or declaration
Up to 50 dosage units for personal use without DEA import permit; larger quantities require Form 6NIA
- Documentation may be required
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Codeine is a Schedule II / III controlled substance in the United States depending on formulation. Travelers may carry a personal supply (typically 90-day or less) with an original-container prescription; declare on the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. CBP and DEA may inspect; quantities exceeding personal use trigger DEA Personal-Use Allowance review under 21 CFR § 1301.26.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 300–10000 USD
- Civil penalty only
Occasional — Enforcement reported intermittently.
Leaving United States with codeine (medication)
Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the 21 USC § 956 (personal-use exception); DEA Diversion 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 DEA Form 236 (for Schedule II above personal-use limit). Destination-country rules on codeine import are more restrictive in many jurisdictions (Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states) and should be verified independently.
Carry documentation. Declare proactively at customs.
Up to 50 dosage units for personal use without DEA import permit; larger quantities require Form 6NIA
- Documentation may be required
This page covers destination customs rules in United States. 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