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Status Indicators
- Banned nationwide under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
- Producing, supplying, importing or exporting kratom is a criminal offence
- Possession for personal use is not an offence outside a custodial institution
- Applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- No legal regional exceptions or safe-harbour territories
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Banned (supply and import) |
| Age Limit | Not applicable (banned) |
| Regulated | Yes (Psychoactive Substances Act 2016) |
| Controlled Substance | Not under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 |
| Last Policy Change | Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, in force 26 May 2016 |
National Legal Framework
The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 took a different approach from the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Rather than listing individual substances, it prohibits any substance capable of producing a psychoactive effect, with specific exemptions for items such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and medicines. Kratom is not exempt and therefore falls within scope. This is why kratom is not a controlled drug in the Misuse of Drugs Act sense, yet is still unlawful to supply.
What the Ban Covers
It is an offence to produce, supply, offer to supply, import or export kratom anywhere in the United Kingdom. Importing includes ordering from an overseas vendor for delivery to a UK address, which is the route most buyers would otherwise use. Simple possession for personal use is not itself an offence, with the exception of possession in a custodial institution. Possession with intent to supply is an offence.
Buying & Importing
There is no lawful route to buy kratom in the United Kingdom. Overseas vendors that advertise shipping to the UK are offering a transaction that constitutes importation, and packages may be seized at the border. The absence of a possession offence does not make purchase or import lawful.
Sources
- Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, in force 26 May 2016
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971: kratom not listed as a controlled drug
Related Kratom Legal Guides
- Is Kratom Legal in Sweden?
- Is Kratom Legal in Denmark?
- Is Kratom Legal in South Africa?
- Is Kratom Legal in Canada (Federal Hub)?
- Is Kratom Legal in Romania?
- Is Kratom Legal in USA (Federal Hub)?
Regions in United Kingdom
States, provinces or sub-jurisdictions within United Kingdom.
