Is Methadone legal in India?
- Legal status
- Methadone is a narcotic under the NDPS Act 1985, reclassified an 'Essential Narcotic Drug' by the 2014 amendment (easing transport/storage) — full narcotic control.
- Consequences if caught
- Small quantity up to 6 months–1 year; commercial quantity 10–20 years rigorous imprisonment plus fine.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed for OST at government-recognised centres (pilot MMT at a few sites; buprenorphine is the dominant OST medicine under the national programme).
- Documentation
- Carry an INCB certificate plus prescription and doctor's letter in original packaging; confirm with the CBN/NCB.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with India’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 →