Taking codeine (medication) out of United States

Details

Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the 21 USC § 956 (personal-use exception); DEA Diversion regulations 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 an DEA Form 236 (for Schedule II above personal-use limit). Destination-country rules on codeine import are more restrictive in many jurisdictions (Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states) and should be verified independently.

Quantity limits

Personal-use quantity in original packaging with prescription label

Documentation required

• Prescription or pharmacist dispensing label
• Doctor's letter for continued treatment
• DEA Form 236 (for Schedule II above personal-use limit) (if above personal-use)

The other direction

Sources

• cbp.gov
• cbp.gov
• deadiversion.usdoj.gov