Can I bring narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines to United States?
- Official classification
- Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines
Restricted
You can bring narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines into United States 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
- 21 CFR 1301.26 Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Questions about Narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines in United States
- Do I have to declare narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines at United States customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines in United States?
- Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
- Can I post or ship narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines to United States 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 and abuse-risk medicines out of United States?
- United States publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United States limit for narcotics, psychotropic substances 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?
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in 21 CFR 1301.26 Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
- How does United States compare with other countries on narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 21 CFR 1301.26 Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 19 CFR Part 148 — Personal Declarations and Exemptions · verified 2026-09-20
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 19 CFR 145.31 Importations not over $800 in value · verified 2026-09-20
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 21 CFR 1301.26 Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 21 CFR 1301.26 Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use · verified 2026-09-19