Is Kratom Legal in India?
As of 2026, kratom is not listed as a controlled substance in India. This means it is generally considered legal to possess and trade, as it does not appear under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).
However, the absence of prohibition does not mean full regulatory clarity.
India currently does not have:
- Specific kratom legislation
- Licensing structure for kratom sellers
- Official classification as a supplement or medicine
Kratom exists in a legal gray space defined by non-prohibition rather than explicit regulation.
Why Isn’t Kratom Regulated in India?
India’s drug control framework primarily focuses on:
- Opioids
- Cannabis
- Synthetic narcotics
- Psychotropic pharmaceuticals
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has not historically been widely used in India, which may explain why it has not been specifically addressed in national drug legislation.
Because of this, kratom remains outside the scope of major drug enforcement policies.
Can You Buy Kratom in India?
Technically yes, but availability is limited.
Kratom in India is:
- Rare in physical retail stores
- Occasionally available through online sellers
- More commonly imported than domestically produced
Many international vendors are cautious about shipping to India due to unclear regulatory interpretation, even though it is not banned.
Importing Kratom into India
Kratom imports are generally subject to:
- Standard customs inspection
- Phytosanitary documentation (if imported as plant material)
- Commercial import compliance rules
Since kratom is not listed as a narcotic, shipments are typically evaluated under general trade regulations rather than drug enforcement law.
However, customs discretion always applies.
Could Kratom Become Illegal in India?
Yes — regulatory status can change at any time.
If Indian authorities determine:
- Public health concerns
- Misuse trends
- Safety risks
Then kratom could be added to controlled substance lists under the NDPS framework.
As of now, however, no nationwide ban exists.
Key Takeaways
- Kratom is not banned in India
- It is not listed under the NDPS Act
- There is no specific regulatory framework
- Importing is subject to general customs law
- Future classification remains possible
