What happens if I do not declare Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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.

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 cannot bring schedule 1 drugs into the UK without a licence.”

How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule), 9 limit it and 0 let it through. United Kingdom is among the strictest.

How much Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) can I bring into United Kingdom?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) into United Kingdom.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

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 Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) in United Kingdom

How many Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) can I bring into United Kingdom?: Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) may not be brought into United Kingdom at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) at United Kingdom customs?: There is nothing to declare — Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) out of United Kingdom?: United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Kingdom limit for Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule) 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 cannot bring schedule 1 drugs into the UK without a licence.”
How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule), 9 limit it and 0 let it through. United Kingdom is among the strictest.

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