Yes, Kratom is illegal in France. Since 2019, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) classified mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—kratom’s primary alkaloids—as narcotic substances under the Public Health Code. Possession, sale, or use risks criminal penalties, including fines up to €3,750 and imprisonment. Border controls at Schengen entry points enforce these restrictions, with customs seizures documented annually.
Key Regulations for Kratom in France
- Narcotic Classification: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are listed as stupéfiants (narcotics) under Article R. 5132-86 of the Public Health Code, mirroring EU precursor controls.
- Penal Provisions: Violations under Article 222-34 of the Penal Code carry up to 1 year imprisonment and €3,750 fines, with aggravated penalties for trafficking (up to 10 years and €75,000).
- Customs Enforcement: Douanes Françaises (French Customs) actively monitor online sales and postal shipments, with 2023 data showing 1,200+ seizures of kratom products, primarily from Southeast Asia.
Regulatory Shifts: The 2026 Loi de Programmation de la Justice proposes stricter penalties for synthetic kratom analogs, aligning with EU-wide monitoring under the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Healthcare professionals must report adverse effects via the ANSM’s pharmacovigilance system, though no therapeutic exemptions exist.