Is Codeine legal in China?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a scheduled narcotic in China; low-dose codeine sits below the large-quantity capital tier of Criminal Law Art. 347 (which reaches death for morphine 100 g or more, or opium 1,000 g or more). Codeine-containing cough preparations are controlled and were tightened after widespread misuse.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised supply is prosecuted under Art. 347 (graduated by quantity); large-quantity narcotic trafficking is death-eligible, but low-dose codeine is below that tier.
- If prescribed or medical
- Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine; codeine cough preparations are restricted.
- Documentation
- Declare controlled medicines; unlicensed import is treated as smuggling - carry a prescription in original packaging.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with China’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 →