How much Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances can I bring into United Kingdom?
Restricted
You can bring Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances in United Kingdom
- Do I have to declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances at United Kingdom customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to United Kingdom customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out of United Kingdom?
- United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United Kingdom limit for medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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: “If you’re not a UK resident, you will need to carry a letter of proof that the medicine was prescribed for you.”
- How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 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