Is Oxycodone legal in Australia?
- Legal status
- Oxycodone is a Schedule 8 controlled drug (drug of addiction) under the Poisons Standard (SUSMP) and state drugs-of-dependence laws — a marketed strong opioid.
- Consequences if caught
- Possessing a Schedule 8 drug without authority is a state offence; trafficking carries heavy penalties (up to life in some states).
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a Schedule 8 controlled drug, often requiring a state permit for prolonged use.
- Documentation
- The ODC Traveller's Exemption allows a 3-month supply carried in person with a prescription/doctor's letter; declare it — it cannot be mailed.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Australia’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 →