Is Codeine legal in France?
- Legal status
- Codeine is prescription-only for all products since the arrete of 12 July 2017 (in force 17 July 2017), which ended the previous OTC sale of products at or below 30 mg/unit; the change was driven by 'Purple Drank' misuse. Codeine is a Liste I substance veneneuse.
- Consequences if caught
- Dispensing codeine without a prescription is prohibited; misuse or diversion is prosecutable under the Code de la sante publique, with trafficking drawing multi-year terms.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a Liste I medicine on an ordinary prescription - no longer available OTC since July 2017.
- Documentation
- Carry the prescription; within Schengen the Article 75 certificate applies. No OTC codeine is available in French pharmacies.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with France’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 →