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.
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