Is MXE legal in Hong Kong?

Legal status

Controlled as a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134). Not named individually, but caught by the generic definition at paragraph 1(m) of Part I of the First Schedule. Maximum penalty for trafficking is a fine of $5,000,000 and imprisonment for life.

Consequences if caught

This substance is not named individually in Part I of the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. It is caught by a generic structural definition instead. Paragraph 1(m) covers any compound (not being tiletamine or a compound for the time being specified in subparagraph (a)) structurally derived from 1-phenylcyclohexylamine or 2-amino-2-phenylcyclohexanone. Methoxetamine is structurally derived from 2-amino-2-phenylcyclohexanone by N-ethyl substitution and a ring methoxy group. Ketamine and phencyclidine are both separately named in the First Schedule. That reading is this site's, not the schedule's words, and it is stated so you can check it. Trafficking is the offence in section 4 and the Ordinance defines trafficking to include importing into Hong Kong, exporting from Hong Kong, procuring, supplying, otherwise dealing in the drug, and possessing it for the purpose of trafficking, so import, export and sale are not separate offences with separate bands. Section 4(3) sets a fine of $5,000,000 and imprisonment for life on conviction on indictment, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for 3 years on summary conviction. Manufacture under section 6(2) carries a fine of $5,000,000 and imprisonment for life on indictment. Possession other than for trafficking, and smoking, inhaling, ingesting or injecting, are one offence under section 8, carrying a fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for 7 years on indictment and a fine at level 6 and imprisonment for 3 years summarily, in each case subject to section 54A. The fine and the imprisonment are cumulative in every band, because the Ordinance says a fine and imprisonment rather than a fine or imprisonment. Read against the consolidation as in force on 2026-06-12 for the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and as in force on 2026-07-03 for the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations. Hong Kong amends the First Schedule by order of the Chief Executive published in the Gazette under section 50(1), so a substance can be added between consolidations.

If prescribed or medical

There is a lawful medical route. Section 22 authorises listed classes of person to possess and supply dangerous drugs in the course of their work, section 25 authorises a patient to possess a dangerous drug supplied on a doctor's prescription, and section 31 governs supply on prescription. Carry the drug in its dispensed container with the prescription or a doctor's letter.

Documentation

Hong Kong Customs and Excise enforces the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance at the border. Declare any controlled medicine, carry it in its original dispensed container, and carry the prescription or a doctor's letter naming the drug, the dose and the patient. Confirm requirements with the Department of Health and with your embassy before travel.

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