Is Khat legal in Brazil?
- Legal status
- Controlled — ALKALOIDS NAMED, plant not named. Cathinone and cathine are on List F2 (proscribed psychotropics) of ANVISA Portaria SVS/MS 344 of 12 May 1998, with synthetic cathinones added generically by RDC 175/2017; Catha edulis is not in List E (controlled plants). Mechanism: NAMED (alkaloids) + generic NPS clause; plant grey.
- Consequences if caught
- Fresh leaf contains List-F2 cathinone, so importing khat is a controlled-substance offence even though the plant itself is unlisted.
- If prescribed or medical
- Khat is traditional plant material with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
- Documentation
- No lawful personal-import route; leaf caught via its List-F2 cathinone content.
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 →