The NDPS Act Explained
India regulates drugs and psychotropic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).
The NDPS Act covers:
- Opium and derivatives
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Synthetic narcotics
- Specific psychotropic substances
Kratom is not currently included in the NDPS schedules.
Why Kratom Is Not Listed
Possible reasons include:
- Limited historical usage in India
- Low prevalence in domestic markets
- Lack of formal regulatory review
Because kratom is not specifically addressed, it is treated as a plant material unless otherwise classified.
Regulatory Grey Areas
Although not banned, kratom could fall under:
- Food safety laws if marketed as consumable
- Drug laws if promoted with medical claims
- Customs regulations during import
This creates a compliance challenge for vendors.
Risk of Future Scheduling
If future assessments conclude kratom poses risk, authorities could:
- Add it to NDPS controlled lists
- Regulate alkaloids individually
- Restrict import and sale
As of 2026, no such action has occurred.
Legal Summary
- Kratom is not controlled under NDPS
- It is not classified as medicine
- It is not approved as dietary supplement
- It exists in regulatory neutrality
