Is Oxycodone legal in United Kingdom?
- Legal status
- Oxycodone is a Class A controlled drug (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) in Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (CD POM) — a marketed strong-opioid analgesic (OxyContin/OxyNorm) under full narcotic control.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession up to 7 years plus a fine; supply or production up to life imprisonment (Class A).
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a Schedule 2 Controlled Drug on a prescription meeting CD requirements; dispensing is recorded in the controlled-drugs register.
- Documentation
- Carry in original packaging with the prescription or a doctor's letter; a Home Office personal import/export licence is advisable for supplies over 3 months (roughly a 3-month personal carry otherwise).
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
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 →