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Original poster

Taking codeine into France

14 replies

BoatsAndHoes · 27/05/2023 18:14

I can't find a straight answer on this anywhere - am I able to take Solpadeine Max (cocodamol) or Nurofen Plus in my hand luggage to France? Many thanks.

OP posts:
Tortiemiaw · 27/05/2023 18:15

You can. I took some in hand luggage to Portugal a couple of weeks ago!

Original poster
BoatsAndHoes · 27/05/2023 19:12

Do the same rules apply for France as Portugal? I am not a seasoned traveller 🤣

OP posts:
Silverjellybean71 · 27/05/2023 19:18

Yes - because you can’t buy any OTC products containing codeine in France any more.

Original poster
BoatsAndHoes · 27/05/2023 19:28

@Silverjellybean71 which would imply that I am not, in fact, allowed to bring it into the country?

OP posts:
Original poster
BoatsAndHoes · 27/05/2023 19:40

@irritatedcashier I did come across that website but couldn't get my head around it 🤣

OP posts:
mynameiscalypso · 27/05/2023 19:43

I do frequently. Nobody ever stops or asks. I'm currently in Greece and have plenty about my person (with a valid prescription). I think in the EU, nobody really looks so they're not going to find it. A friend of my brother's was arrested in Turkey - I think - for having some but it was really just an excuse for requesting a bribe.

Groutyonehereagain · 27/05/2023 19:46

I take a number of different prescribed medications and travel to France regularly. Take them in the box and carry your repeat prescriptions with you. No one has ever checked, not in 10 years.

Original poster
BoatsAndHoes · 27/05/2023 19:49

They're just over the counter, so no prescription for them. I know that codeine is a controlled drug in France, and not available OTC.

OP posts:
mynameiscalypso · 27/05/2023 19:54

To be honest, I'd just take them out the box then and have them in your luggage. I travel to France a lot and nobody has ever searched my bag for any reason at all and I've never seen it happen with flights/travel from the UK.

Silverjellybean71 · 27/05/2023 20:01

I take a months worth with me every summer and it’s never been questioned. I make sure I have enough because I know I won’t be able to buy it!

Silverjellybean71 · 27/05/2023 20:03

This implies that as long as it’s for personal use, it’s fine

Taking codeine into France
Original poster
BoatsAndHoes · 27/05/2023 21:22

Thank you!

OP posts:
notimagain · 28/05/2023 09:33

Reading the whole of the Douane page whilst I get the impression that strictly speaking a prescription might well be required, but it’s not that clear.

Customs checks definitely do happen but they are very very rare for arrivals from the Uk.

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