Taking codeine (medication) out of Saudi Arabia

Details

Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the Anti-Narcotics Law (Royal Decree M/39) 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 a SFDA personal authorisation.

Quantity limits

Personal-use quantity in original packaging with prescription label

Documentation required

• Prescription or pharmacist dispensing label
• Doctor's letter for continued treatment
• SFDA personal authorisation (if above personal-use)

The other direction

Sources

• sfda.gov.sa
• customs.gov.sa