Is Methadone legal in United Kingdom?
- Legal status
- Methadone is a Class A controlled drug (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) placed in Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 — a full narcotic-control tier, lawfully prescribed for opioid-substitution treatment (OST) and analgesia.
- Consequences if caught
- Unlawful possession of a Class A drug carries up to 7 years plus a fine; supply or production up to life.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a Schedule 2 controlled drug for OST (GP/specialist shared-care, supervised consumption initially, take-home doses earned) and for pain.
- Documentation
- A Home Office personal import/export licence is needed for more than a 3-month supply; otherwise carry the medicine in original packaging with a copy of your prescription or an INCB-style multilingual doctor's certificate.
Court records
We have applied to The National Archives for the licence required to analyse Find Case Law records, and will publish outcomes once it is determined.
Source checked Find Case Law, The National Archives · 2026-08-26
Methadone in related jurisdictions
Other substances confirmed in United Kingdom
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with United Kingdom’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
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