No. Kratom is classified as a Schedule 9 prohibited substance under the Poisons Standard (effective 1 October 2021), rendering it illegal to possess, use, or supply in Australia. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) enforces this ban, citing insufficient evidence for safe therapeutic use and high risks of dependence and toxicity. Importation without a permit is also prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, with penalties including fines up to $110,000 or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Kratom in Australia
- Schedule 9 Prohibition: Listed as a prohibited substance by the TGA, with no approved therapeutic applications.
- Strict Import Controls: Unauthorized importation attracts fines and potential criminal charges under customs laws.
- State-Level Enforcement: Police and health departments in jurisdictions like New South Wales and Victoria actively seize kratom products during routine checks.
Recent compliance shifts, such as the 2026 review of the Poisons Standard, may reconsider kratom’s status, but no legislative changes have been enacted. Businesses and individuals found in possession face immediate confiscation and legal repercussions. The TGA’s stance remains consistent with global regulatory trends, prioritizing public health over unproven claims of medicinal benefits.