Global Hub
Updated Apr 2026
Kratom Legality Worldwide
A comprehensive global directory of international policies, country-by-country legality feeds, and regional state restrictions for kratom across the globe.
Global Status
Varies
Federally legal and not scheduled by the DEA.
State laws vary significantly
(KCPA vs. Bans).
Local city and county bans exist
in legal states.
International Overview
Globally, kratom exists in a fractured legal state. Because the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not classified kratom as a dangerous narcotic, there is no international treaty banning it. However, many countries, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, have independently passed nationwide bans, while countries like the USA and Canada leave significant regulation up to individual states and provinces.
UN / WHO Status
Unscheduled
Nationwide Bans
30+ Countries
State-Level Variance
High (e.g. USA, Canada)
Understanding National vs. Regional Law
When traveling internationally or importing botanicals, you must consider both the sovereign laws of a country and the local jurisdictions within it. While a nation might not explicitly ban kratom, local customs agencies or regional governments often impose their own restrictions.
For example, in North America, federal agencies generally permit possession, but heavily restrict how it is marketed or labeled. Because there is no overarching federal framework for retail, individual states, provinces, and territories frequently enact their own legislation, ranging from strict consumer protection acts to total criminalization.
The Rise of the KCPA
In regions where kratom remains legal, local advocacy groups often push for regulation over prohibition. In the United States, this takes the form of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which serves as a model for regional safe- legalization globally:
Strict Labeling
Products must display safe usage guidelines and a full list of ingredients.
Prohibited Additives
Bans the addition of dangerous non- kratom substances and synthetic alkaloids.
Alkaloid Limits
7-hydroxymitragynine fraction is typically capped at 2% to ensure natural strength.
Age Verification
Retailers face penalties for selling to individuals under the age of 18 or 21.
Global Snapshot
UN Controlled
No
WHO Scheduled
No
Major EU Bans
15+ Nations
US State Bans
6 States
Export Restrictions
Indonesia (Varies)
Global Directory by Country
Select a region below to view detailed regional laws, state legislation, and restrictions.
Notable Municipal
Exceptions
Even in countries and states where kratom is broadly legal, local city councils or county boards possess the authority to pass local ordinances banning possession or sale.
Below is a tracking feed of major municipalities globally that have independently restricted or banned kratom within their borders, despite regional legality.
Denver, Is Kratom Legal in Colorado?
Is Kratom Legal in USA (Federal Hub)?
Restricted for human consumption locally.
Restricted
Oceanside, Is Kratom Legal in California?
Is Kratom Legal in USA (Federal Hub)?
Banned locally, strict enforcement.
Banned
San Diego, Is Kratom Legal in California?
Is Kratom Legal in USA (Federal Hub)?
Banned by city ordinance since 2016.
Banned
International FAQ
Buying online generally offers better quality control, lower prices, and wider strain variety. Online vendors often provide third-party lab results directly on their website. Local shops (like smoke shops or gas stations) offer convenience but typically have higher markups and rarely display transparent lab testing.
The American Kratom Association (AKA) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards program ensures that a vendor follows strict guidelines for manufacturing, processing, packaging, and holding kratom products. We highly recommend purchasing only from AKA GMP qualified vendors to ensure safety and purity.