Is Ephedrine legal in Egypt?

Legal status

Regulated as a chemical PRECURSOR (1988 UN Convention Table I — a methamphetamine precursor), NOT as a scheduled narcotic; a controlled precursor / pharmacy medicine under the Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182/1960 (amended 122/1989); not a Schedule-1 narcotic.

Consequences if caught

No confirmed capital exposure — the capital trafficking penalty is for scheduled/synthetic finished drugs; ephedrine is a Table I precursor/medicine. Breaches: licensing offences, fines, imprisonment.

If prescribed or medical

Also a pharmacy/prescription decongestant-bronchodilator medicine subject to sales limits; carry documentation for a personal supply.

Documentation

Schedule 1 and Schedule 3(a,b,d) medicines CANNOT be imported even with a foreign prescription — explicitly banned: amphetamine/dexamphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) and methadone; tramadol is banned for recreational use and tightly controlled. Codeine, diazepam and some sleep aids may be carried WITH a doctor's letter, original packaging, a 2–3 month maximum supply, and a customs declaration. (Reference: a 2017 traveller received a 3-year sentence for carrying 290 tramadol tablets.)

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