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.
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