Is Codeine legal in Poland?
- Legal status
- Low-dose codeine combination products (e.g. Thiocodin, Antidol 15) are sold OTC (bez recepty) but capped at 240 mg codeine per transaction and one codeine product per pharmacy visit; codeine is classed in group II-N. Higher-strength codeine is prescription-only.
- Consequences if caught
- Licensed OTC sale within the cap is lawful; unauthorised export or trafficking is penalised under the narcotics law (possession up to 3 years).
- If prescribed or medical
- Low-dose combinations are sold OTC within the 240 mg cap; higher strengths are prescribed.
- Documentation
- Partial trap - despite OTC sale within Poland, exporting codeine needs a permit; carry original packaging and a prescription for higher strengths.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Poland’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 →