Is Codeine legal in Hong Kong?

Legal status

Controlled as a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134). Named as Codeine in Part I of the First Schedule and again in Part III, which applies the Ordinance with modifications.

Consequences if caught

Codeine is a dangerous drug in Hong Kong. Codeine appears in Part I of the First Schedule and again in Part III. Part III is headed dangerous drugs to which the Ordinance applies with other modifications and is referenced to sections 3, 25, 26, 32 and 50, which is a lighter regime than the one that governs Part I alone. A preparation of codeine may also fall within Part II or Part IV of the First Schedule, and section 4(4)(a) provides that the trafficking offence does not apply to a preparation specified in Part II, so a low strength preparation is not treated the same as the pure drug. Trafficking is the offence in section 4 and the Ordinance defines trafficking to include importing into Hong Kong, exporting from Hong Kong, procuring, supplying, otherwise dealing in the drug, and possessing it for the purpose of trafficking, so import, export and sale are not separate offences with separate bands. Section 4(3) sets a fine of $5,000,000 and imprisonment for life on conviction on indictment, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for 3 years on summary conviction. Manufacture under section 6(2) carries a fine of $5,000,000 and imprisonment for life on indictment. Possession other than for trafficking, and smoking, inhaling, ingesting or injecting, are one offence under section 8, carrying a fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for 7 years on indictment and a fine at level 6 and imprisonment for 3 years summarily, in each case subject to section 54A. The fine and the imprisonment are cumulative in every band, because the Ordinance says a fine and imprisonment rather than a fine or imprisonment. Read against the consolidation as in force on 2026-06-12 for the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and as in force on 2026-07-03 for the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations. Hong Kong amends the First Schedule by order of the Chief Executive published in the Gazette under section 50(1), so a substance can be added between consolidations.

If prescribed or medical

There is a lawful medical route. Section 22 authorises listed classes of person to possess and supply dangerous drugs in the course of their work, section 25 authorises a patient to possess a dangerous drug supplied on a doctor's prescription, and section 31 governs supply on prescription. Carry the drug in its dispensed container with the prescription or a doctor's letter.

Documentation

Hong Kong Customs and Excise enforces the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance at the border. Declare any controlled medicine, carry it in its original dispensed container, and carry the prescription or a doctor's letter naming the drug, the dose and the patient. Confirm requirements with the Department of Health and with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Hong Kong’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.