How much Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) can I bring into United Kingdom?
Restricted
You can bring Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) into United Kingdom only within the stated limits.
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
- Take medicine in or out of the UK Home Office / HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
Questions about Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) in United Kingdom
- Do I have to declare Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) at United Kingdom customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to United Kingdom customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) 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 Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) 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 Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) out of United Kingdom?
- United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United Kingdom limit for Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) 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. The sentence it rests on reads: “You can only bring up to 3 months supply of your medicine with you.”
- How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V)?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V), 19 limit it and 1 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — Take medicine in or out of the UK · verified 2026-09-19
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — The Travellers' Allowances Order 1994 · verified 2026-09-20
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — The Travellers' Allowances Order 1994 · verified 2026-09-20
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — Take medicine in or out of the UK · verified 2026-09-19
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — Take medicine in or out of the UK · verified 2026-09-19