Khat → United States

Khat prohibited; penalties for import

Details

Khat prohibited; penalties for import. Enforcement in United States carries fines from USD 500 to USD 500,000 and imprisonment up to 20 years in aggravated cases under 18 USC § 545 (smuggling); Controlled Substances Act 21 USC § 841. Because khat is prohibited rather than restricted, there is no permit route for an ordinary traveller — attempted import is treated as smuggling regardless of intent. Arrival checks are carried out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving United States with khat is a separate question: prohibited — Khat is a controlled substance in United States — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Leaving with this item

Khat is a controlled substance in United States — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Practical advice

Do not carry khat (Catha edulis), fresh or dried, into United States. CBP treats it as a controlled drug; carriage triggers seizure plus possible criminal charge under the local misuse-of-drugs statute. There is no permit pathway for personal use.

Customs authority

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) · https://www.cbp.gov