Is Barbiturates legal in Sweden?
- Legal status
- Barbiturates are narcotic drugs scheduled by compound under the Narcotics Control Act (1968:64) and LVFS 2011:10 — the medicinal barbiturates in förteckning IV/V transposing the 1971 Convention — and are prescription-only.
- Consequences if caught
- A minor (ringa) offence draws a fine or up to 6 months; an ordinary offence up to 3 years.
- If prescribed or medical
- Phenobarbital is prescribed as an antiepileptic (a WHO Essential Medicine); the sedative-hypnotic barbiturates are rarely used.
- Documentation
- Import with proof of medical need and a Schengen certificate; up to 1 year's supply from the EEA, 3 months from outside.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Sweden’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →