Narcotic and psychotropic drugs
A Licence and Permit must be obtained from the Office of Drug Control (ODC) to import, export, manufacture, produce or cultivate controlled substances in Australia.
To conduct any activities relating to the import, export, manufacture, production or cultivation of controlled substances, including narcotic and psychotropic substances, a valid Licence and Permit issued by the ODC must be obtained.
Such activities are prohibited unless a valid Licence and Permit are held. An approved Licence and Permit will outline the activities approved to be conducted and other relevant requirements that, depending on the intended activities, will be subject to certain regulations. See below for more information.
Note: Licences are not granted to individuals for the purpose of obtaining medications for personal use. If you are an individual wanting to access medications that are prohibited imports you should consult your doctor.
Information about narcotic & psychotropic drugs
Manufacture narcotic drugs in Australia
Learn how to apply for a licence and permit to manufacture narcotic drugs in Australia, including requirements, eligibility, process steps and compliance obligations.Importing narcotic and/or psychotropic drugs into Australia
Requirements for importing narcotic and psychotropic drugs into Australia, including licences, permits, and compliance with regulatory obligations.Exporting narcotic and/or psychotropic drugs from Australia
Exporting narcotic and/or psychotropic drugs from AustraliaMedicinal cannabis
Manufacturing, cultivating, importing and/or exporting medicinal cannabis in Australia.Hemp products
Some specific hemp seed and fibre products may be imported without requiring a licence and permit from the Office of Drug Control (ODC).Regulation of MDMA and Psilocybine
Overview of Australian regulations for MDMA and psilocybin, including authorised prescribing, import controls and manufacturing requirements.
Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group (MCEWG)
The Medicinal Cannabis Expert Working Group (MCEWG) provides advice to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care on issues relating to the medicinal use of cannabis, in accordance with the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 and the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. It aims to address emerging issues and developments in the field of medicinal cannabis.
News
New substances controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958
From 1 March 2025, certain Schedule 4 substances will require a licence and permit for import or export under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations.New substances controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958
Learn about additional substances now subject to import and export controls under the Customs (Prohibited Imports and Exports) Regulations.New substances controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958
From 13 December 2023 there are new substances requiring a licence and permit for import and export.