Is Codeine legal in Brazil?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a controlled narcotic on List A2 of Portaria SVS/MS 344/1998; low-dose combinations (up to 100 mg/unit) are dispensed on a two-copy 'Receita de Controle Especial' and higher strengths on the yellow Notificacao de Receita A.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession or diversion is prosecutable under the drug law (Lei 11.343/2006); prescribed use is lawful.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed on a special controlled prescription (low-dose combinations) or the yellow Notificacao A (higher strengths).
- Documentation
- Carry the controlled prescription; a personal supply may be imported with medical documentation.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Brazil’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 →