Kratom and its alkaloids are not listed as controlled substances in India, making them technically legal. Despite these facts, there is still a lingering fear among kratom users and vendors in the country. A good indicator of this is the difficulty of finding a local shop that sells kratom in India.
If you are a kratom user in India or you are planning to visit the country, understanding India’s law and public perception of kratom is vital. We will go through everything you need to know about buying, using and travelling with kratom in India to help you navigate your way.
In India, controlled substances are regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. This Act was last updated in 2022, and so far, kratom nor any of its alkaloids are on the list of controlled substances. With this, kratom is technically legal in India, and there are no specific regulations addressing its usage, sale or possession.
Despite the fact that kratom is legal in India, you will be hard pressed to find retail stores that carry it, and this can be due to a variety of factors.
Despite the low public awareness of kratom in India, there are still some kratom users in the country who buy and use kratom.
While kratom is legal in India, you may struggle to find local retailers who carry it. However, you can find some online platforms within the country that offer kratom products. JioMart and 100% Botanicals are the two surest places to order kratom online in India. However, their selection is limited, which might be a challenge for you to find your preferred strain and type of kratom.
You may find some international vendors that are willing to ship to India. Using these international vendors presents to you a wider selection, and they have been proven to be big players in the industry with high-quality products. The downside is international shipping can be pricey, although this may be offset by a cheaper overall cost of buying the product locally.
Bringing your kratom with you from your country to India shouldn’t be a problem because kratom isn’t classified as a controlled substance. However, you should still be cautious because the botanical is not well-known and may be open to scrutiny.
Following the tips below should help you navigate your way in bringing kratom into India:
Customs does not screen for kratom since it is legal however, ensure that you carry kratom for personal use and not in quantities that could be misinterpreted as intended for distribution or resale. Also, keep the product in original packaging with clear labeling, so customs officers can research if needed.
Avoid carrying loose powder or capsules in unmarked containers. Doing so might raise concerns during customs inspections.
Kratom law in India is subject to change, and you have to be on the lookout for changes. As of the time of writing in December 2024, kratom is legal in India, but always checks for recent changes to import laws or customs policies in India.
Lastly, you should verify with your airline whether kratom is permitted in your checked or carry-on luggage. Some airlines may have their own policies on kratom.
Whether you decide to buy kratom from an online vendor within India or from an international vendor, knowing some buying best practices can help you source better quality products.
First, you want to make sure you prioritize vendors with transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices. Doing so may help you get purer products with fewer contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides.
Another thing you should look at is reviews from customers. Choose suppliers with positive customer reviews and an established reputation in the market. Most of these reputable suppliers label their products properly with packaging and expiry dates. This way, you can tell how fresh the products are and know the ingredients and potency.
Lastly, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards are key indicators of quality. Start by buying small sample quantities to assess the product’s effectiveness before committing to larger purchases. The reason for all this is to have a potentially better kratom experience and, at the same time, ensure you source the best quality products.
Q1: Is kratom legal in India?
Kratom is technically legal in India since it is not listed as a controlled substance. However, because it has some psychoactive effects, it calls for caution and continued due diligence.
Q2: What do I need to know when flying with Kratom to India?
Not much attention is given to kratom in India at this time because it is not an apparent concern to relevant authorities. However, only bring in quantities for personal use and keep the product in its original package with clear labeling. You should also check with the airline you intend to use whether kratom is allowed in their terms of service.
Q3: Are there local stores to purchase kratom in India?
Even though kratom is unregulated in India, it is challenging to find local stores that carry it. Your best bet will be to buy online or bring along with you from your origin country.
Q4: Why is kratom not so popular in India?
Kratom is not popular in India for some reasons: it has low public awareness, regulations are unclear, there is limited local demand, and India already has a variety of ancient herbs they use through Ayurveda which kratom was never a part of.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
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