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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines can I bring into United Kingdom?

Restricted

You can bring Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines into United Kingdom only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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 Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines in United Kingdom

Do I have to declare narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines at United Kingdom customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United Kingdom customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines out of United Kingdom?: United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Kingdom limit for narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.

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