In brief
From 1 January 2026, the import of kratom into the Czech Republic is subject to a double regime: the PML regime under the amendment to Act No. 167/1998 Coll., on addictive substances, and the general customs and phytosanitary legislation of the EU. The importer must hold a PML licence for import and notify each consignment to the Czech Ministry of Health.
Customs codes for plant powders (HS 1211)
Kratom leaf and powder are classified in the EU customs tariff under Chapter 1211 - "Plants, parts of plants, seeds and fruits used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal and similar purposes". In the EU Combined Nomenclature, code 1211 90 (other plants apart from those specifically listed) is most often used.
Extracts and concentrates containing the main alkaloids may be classified under code 1302 19 (plant extracts) - the classification depends on the specific form of the product and requires consultation with the customs administration.
Documentation on import
For the import of kratom from third countries (typically Indonesia or Thailand), Czech and European legislation requires the following documents:
- a commercial invoice and packing list,
- a certificate of origin (Form A or equivalent),
- a phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC),
- a certificate of analysis (COA) of the batch from an accredited laboratory,
- the importer's PML licence and a copy of the notification to the Czech Ministry of Health of the planned consignment,
- a customs declaration in the Czech Customs Administration system.
For some combinations of country of origin and product type, consultation with the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) may also be required.
Relationship to the PML licence
Under Sections 3 and 5 of Act 167/1998 Coll., the import of PML is a separate category of activity that requires:
- a valid PML licence whose scope includes "import",
- prior notification of each consignment to the Ministry of Health,
- cooperation with the Customs Administration during inspection of the shipment,
- a record of the import in the register.
Private import for one's own consumption does not comply with the PML regime - the law does not provide an exemption for "personal consignments" analogous to the one that exists for some foods or food supplements.
Hygiene requirements
In terms of the safety of plant products, kratom is subject to the general rules under Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council (official controls on food) and under Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 (maximum limits of contaminants). The specific limits concern:
- heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury),
- mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A),
- microbiology (total microbial count, moulds, salmonella).
For PML, specific requirements under an implementing decree additionally apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring kratom from Indonesia privately?
The PML regime under 167/1998 Coll. does not provide an exemption for private import; a PML licence and notification to the Czech Ministry of Health are required for import. Private import is therefore not compliant with the law.
What is a phytosanitary certificate?
A document issued by the official phytosanitary authority of the country of origin, confirming that the plant material has not been affected by quarantine pests and diseases. It is based on the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Does the Customs Administration check this?
Yes. The Czech Customs Administration checks the content of the customs declaration and accompanying documents. For PML it may request the cooperation of SÚKL and SZPI.
What is the difference between importing leaf and extract?
From a customs standpoint they differ in code (1211 vs. 1302). From a PML standpoint both fall under the PML regime; extracts, however, may have stricter labelling and record-keeping because of their higher alkaloid content.
References
- Act No. 17/2012 Coll., on the Customs Administration of the Czech Republic, as amended.
- Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council on official controls.
- Act No. 167/1998 Coll., on addictive substances, as amended.
