Is Kratom legal in Europe?

Posted on by EU Kratom
a map of europe showing which countries kratom is legal and illegal
18
Feb

Is Kratom Legal in Europe? [Updated July 2025]

Last updated: July 12, 2025

Kratom is a natural plant with stimulating and pain-relieving effects, but its legal status across Europe is far from simple. This guide gives you a detailed and regularly updated overview of kratom’s legal status in every European country – with sources and last update dates.

Table of Contents

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have been traditionally used for their stimulant, analgesic, and mood-enhancing effects. In the West, it’s often consumed as a powder, capsule, or extract – and has gained attention both as a natural remedy and a controversial substance.

Kratom Laws in Europe – Overview

There is currently no unified EU legislation on kratom. Each European country has the authority to regulate kratom individually. Some nations have banned it outright, others treat it as a controlled medicine, and some have not addressed it at all in their laws. This creates a legal patchwork that’s important to understand before importing, traveling with, or using kratom in Europe.

  • Netherlands: Legal. Available in smartshops and online.
  • Czech Republic: Legal; regulations under discussion.
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina: No regulations restricting kratom.
  • Albania: No current restrictions.
  • Austria: Not classified as a controlled substance.
  • Germany: Must be labeled “not for human consumption.”
  • Greece: Not classified as a controlled substance.
  • Hungary: No restrictions exist.
  • Kosovo: No known restrictions.
  • Malta: No restrictions.
  • Montenegro: No restrictions.
  • North Macedonia: Not a controlled substance.
  • Spain: Must not be marketed for consumption.

🟡 Where is Kratom Partially Regulated?

  • Germany: Not listed as a narcotic, but regulated under the Medicines Act. A 2025 ruling by OLG Köln prohibited commercial sale without a license.
  • Finland: Requires a prescription. Regulated as a medicine.
  • Portugal: Import/sale banned; possession decriminalized.

⚪ Where is Kratom Unclear / No Specific Laws ?

  • Andorra: No official legal information available.
  • Liechtenstein: No available legal information.
  • Monaco: No official information.
  • San Marino: No legal information available.

🚫 Where is Kratom Illegal?

  • Belarus: Banned as a narcotic substance.
  • Belgium: Banned since June 1, 2024.
  • Bulgaria Banned under controlled substance laws since 2011
  • Croatia: Classified as a narcotic.
  • Cyprus: Banned since April 2021.
  • Denmark: Controlled substance.
  • Estonia: Classified as a prohibited narcotic.
  • France: Banned by decree. Illegal to sell, import or possess.
  • Iceland: Classified as a controlled substance.
  • Ireland: Main alkaloids banned.
  • Italy: Banned under the Ministry of Health. Added to controlled substances list.
  • Latvia: Classified as a psychoactive substance.
  • Lithuania: Controlled substance.
  • Luxembourg: Prohibited psychotropic substance.
  • Moldova: Listed among banned substances.
  • Norway: Regulated as a medicine.
  • Poland: Prohibited narcotic
  • Romania: Listed as an illegal drug. Criminal penalties apply.
  • Serbia: Banned since 2022.
  • Slovakia: Controlled substance.
  • Slovenia: Regulated as a psychoactive substance.
  • Sweden: Classified as a narcotic in March 2025 by the Medical Products Agency.
  • Switzerland: Banned since 2017.
  • Turkey: Fully prohibited.
  • Ukraine: Banned as of November 2024.
  • United Kingdom: Banned under Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I order kratom from another EU country?

It depends on your country’s import laws. Even if kratom is legal in the shipping country, customs in your country may seize it or impose fines if it’s banned or restricted.

Is it legal to travel with kratom in the EU?

No, not across all countries. You must check each country’s laws. For example, traveling with kratom through Sweden or Italy may result in confiscation or legal action.

What does “regulated” mean in this context?

It means kratom is not entirely illegal, but its use, sale, or possession is subject to restrictions. This may include prescription-only access, classification as a medicine, or import limits.

Where can I find reliable updates on kratom law?

Follow national health authorities, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), and updated legal reports. Laws can change quickly.

Sources & Resources

EU Kratom

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