Is Methadone legal in France?
- Legal status
- Methadone is a stupéfiant under the Code de la santé publique (liste I des stupéfiants) — dispensed on a secure prescription (ordonnance sécurisée).
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised use up to 1 year plus a fine; unauthorised holding or trafficking up to 10 years.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed for OST but initiated only by a specialist addiction centre (CSAPA) or hospital before hand-over to a GP; 14-day maximum dispensing.
- Documentation
- Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate (max 28 days) authenticated by ANSM/the competent agency.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with France’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 →