Is Ephedrine legal in Brazil?
- Legal status
- Controlled under ANVISA Portaria SVS/MS nº 344/1998 in the precursor list (Lista D1) — NOT a narcotic/psychotropic; special control (Polícia Federal). Sale/handling needs special authorisation; not OTC.
- Consequences if caught
- Illicit precursor supply/diversion is prosecuted as trafficking-related under Lei 11.343/2006 (art. 33 §1) — 5–15 years + fines; regulatory breaches draw ANVISA sanctions.
- If prescribed or medical
- Also a pharmacy/prescription decongestant-bronchodilator medicine subject to sales limits; carry documentation for a personal supply.
- Documentation
- Carry the prescription; for controlled medicines carry the ANVISA prescription notification (notificação de receita); keep medicines in original packaging. Importing controlled medicines requires ANVISA authorisation.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Brazil’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 →