Yes, Kratom is illegal in Egypt. The Egyptian Drug Control General Administration (EDCGA) classifies Mitragyna speciosa as a controlled substance under narcotic laws, prohibiting possession, sale, or use. Recent 2026 amendments to Law No. 182/1960 expanded enforcement to include synthetic derivatives, aligning with international anti-narcotic conventions.
Key Regulations for Kratom in Egypt
- Controlled Substance Status: Kratom is listed under Schedule I of Egypt’s narcotic regulations, equating it to heroin or cocaine, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
- Enforcement Authority: The EDCGA and Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Narcotics Department conduct seizures and prosecutions, targeting both raw plant material and processed products.
- Border Controls: Customs authorities at Cairo International Airport and Mediterranean ports actively intercept shipments, with mandatory destruction protocols for confiscated kratom.
Violations trigger severe penalties under Egypt’s penal code, including Article 36 of Law No. 182/1960, which mandates 3–15 years imprisonment for narcotic possession. Legal exceptions do not exist for traditional or medicinal use. Travelers and businesses must exercise extreme caution, as even trace amounts may result in detention.