Do I have to declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines at United Kingdom customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United Kingdom customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines in United Kingdom?

Under Travellers' Allowances Order 1994, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, section 167, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship narcotic and psychotropic medicines to United Kingdom instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take narcotic and psychotropic medicines out of United Kingdom?

United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking narcotic and psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Kingdom limit for narcotic and psychotropic medicines apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force states it in Take medicine in or out of the UK. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on narcotic and psychotropic medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit narcotic and psychotropic medicines, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Narcotic and psychotropic medicines can I bring into United Kingdom?

Restricted

You can bring Narcotic and psychotropic medicines into United Kingdom only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Take medicine in or out of the UK Home Office / HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)

Questions about Narcotic and psychotropic medicines in United Kingdom

Do I have to declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines at United Kingdom customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United Kingdom customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotic and psychotropic medicines in United Kingdom?: Under Travellers' Allowances Order 1994, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, section 167, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship narcotic and psychotropic medicines to United Kingdom instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take narcotic and psychotropic medicines out of United Kingdom?: United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking narcotic and psychotropic medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Kingdom limit for narcotic and psychotropic medicines apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force states it in Take medicine in or out of the UK. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on narcotic and psychotropic medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit narcotic and psychotropic medicines, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances