Is Codeine legal in Italy?
- Legal status
- Codeine is prescription-only in Italy; analgesic and antitussive codeine products are dispensed on medical prescription, with no OTC low-dose sale. Codeine is a controlled substance under DPR 309/90.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession or supply is prosecutable under DPR 309/90; personal-use possession is handled administratively and dealing criminally.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed and dispensed as a controlled medicine under DPR 309/90.
- Documentation
- Carry a prescription and original packaging; within Schengen the Article 75 certificate applies.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Italy’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 →