How much codeine (medication) can I bring to Australia?

3 months supply. Source: Australian Border Force (ABF).

ITEM RULE · TRAVELING

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Codeine (Medication) 🇦🇺 Australia

Q: Can I bring Codeine (Medication) to Australia?

Prescription required since 2018 Codeine in Australia is Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) since the 2018 reclassification — even low-dose combination products previously sold OTC now require a prescription. Travelers may import a 3-month supply for personal use under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) personal-importation scheme; declaration on the Incoming Passenger Card is required, and the prescription or doctor's letter must be available for inspection. Quantities above 3 months trigger TGA Authorised Prescriber requirement.

RESTRICTEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

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Prescription required since 2018

ANSWER

Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into Australia?

RESTRICTEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

Prescription required since 2018

QUANTITY / LIMITS

3 months supply

DOCUMENTS

Prescription
Doctor's letter

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

tga.gov.au

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Full details

Codeine in Australia is Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) since the 2018 reclassification — even low-dose combination products previously sold OTC now require a prescription. Travelers may import a 3-month supply for personal use under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) personal-importation scheme; declaration on the Incoming Passenger Card is required, and the prescription or doctor's letter must be available for inspection. Quantities above 3 months trigger TGA Authorised Prescriber requirement.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Keep in original packaging with pharmacy label. Carry prescription separately.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-04-25

tga.gov.au tga.gov.au abf.gov.au

RULE DETAILS

QUANTITY LIMITS

3 months supply

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

Prescription
Doctor's letter

LEGAL REFERENCE

Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, SUSMP Schedule 4

CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Australian Border Force (ABF)

SHOW AT CUSTOMS

Printable customs card →

AIR TRAVEL IS SEPARATE

This page covers destination customs rules in Australia. 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.