Is Ephedrine legal in Iran?

Legal status

Regulated as a chemical PRECURSOR (1988 UN Convention Table I — a methamphetamine precursor), NOT as a scheduled narcotic; a precursor / pharmacy medicine under the Anti-Narcotics Law (amended 2017); Iran tightened pharmaceutical ephedrine access.

Consequences if caught

No capital exposure — ephedrine is a precursor, not a listed death-eligible narcotic; capital thresholds attach to finished meth/heroin quantities. Precursor diversion is a lower tier (fines/imprisonment/licensing).

If prescribed or medical

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

Documentation

Iran retains and ACTIVELY enforces the death penalty for drugs under the Anti-Narcotics Law of 1988 (amended 1997, 2011 and 2017; Art 45 renumbered Art 46, in force 14 November 2017). The 2017 amendment RAISED the thresholds (previously more than 30 g of heroin/cocaine or more than 5 kg of opium/cannabis): death now applies to trafficking, producing, distributing or selling more than 2 kg of heroin, morphine, cocaine or synthetic drugs, or more than 50 kg of opium, cannabis or bhang, plus possession, purchase or concealment of more than 3 kg of synthetics. Death also applies REGARDLESS of quantity for armed offenders, cartel ringleaders, financiers, those using minors or the mentally ill, and repeat offenders previously sentenced to death, life or 15+ years. Cannabis (bhang/hashish) is included at the 50 kg threshold. Possession and use are criminal, and compulsory treatment exists. [retained and actively enforced — world's leading drug executioner] At least 503 drug-related executions occurred in 2024 (471 in 2023), roughly half of all executions, by hanging (US Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor, corroborated by Harm Reduction International and Amnesty International). Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

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