Is Codeine legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- Codeine is prescription-only for all formulations since 5 November 2020 (Medsafe reclassification), ending pharmacist/OTC codeine sales. Codeine is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession or supply is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act; prescribed use is lawful.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a controlled medicine - no OTC/pharmacist codeine since November 2020.
- Documentation
- Personal import is roughly a 1-month supply carried with a prescription or doctor's letter, declared at the border.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’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 →