Can you bring coca leaves back from Peru?
No, it is illegal to bring coca leaves back from Peru, even in very small quantities and even for personal use. Legal in Peru and Bolivia, the coca leaf is classified as a narcotic in almost every other country, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and the rest of the European Union. This also applies to coca tea bags, candies and any product that contains it.
Why is coca illegal outside Peru?
In Peru, the coca leaf has been part of Andean culture for thousands of years: people chew it, drink it as a tea and offer it in rituals. Growing and selling it for traditional use is legal and regulated by the state.
Internationally, however, the coca leaf has been listed as a narcotic since 1961 under the United Nations Single Convention, just like the cocaine extracted from it. Most countries apply this classification, so possessing, carrying or importing coca leaves is prohibited there, whatever the quantity.
To discover the history of this sacred plant, read our article The coca leaf, from the Andes to Coca-Cola.
What does the law say in your country?
- United States: the coca leaf is a Schedule II controlled substance, and importing it is prohibited without special authorization.
- Canada: the coca leaf is listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, alongside cocaine.
- United Kingdom: the coca leaf is a controlled drug and cannot be brought into the country.
- European Union: in France, Spain, Belgium, Germany and the other member states, the coca leaf is a narcotic and importing it is prohibited.
- Switzerland: coca leaves are on the list of prohibited narcotics.
- Australia: coca leaves are a prohibited import.
The situation is the same in Bolivia, the other great coca country: you can use it there, but you cannot bring it home.
Coca tea bags, candies, flour: same rules?
Yes. The coca products sold everywhere in Peru (tea bags, candies, cookies, chocolate, coca flour, liqueurs) contain coca leaf and are therefore subject to the same ban. The fact that they are sold freely in shops at Lima or Cusco airport changes nothing: they are still prohibited on arrival.
What are the risks at customs?
At the very least, the products will be confiscated. Depending on the country, the quantity and the circumstances, you may also be fined or even prosecuted for a drug offense. Customs officers and sniffer dogs pay particular attention to luggage arriving from South America. The simplest solution is not to bring any.
Watch out for drug tests too
Scientific studies have shown that a single cup of coca tea is enough to cause a positive urine test for cocaine. The main marker usually remains detectable for one to three days. If you are subject to this kind of test (work, sports competitions), stop drinking it at least three days before you return and tell the doctor if you are tested.
What to bring back instead?
To take home a taste of the Andes, there are plenty of legal alternatives:
- Muña, the "Andean mint", also drunk as a tea and good for digestion.
- Coffee from the Andean and Amazonian valleys.
- Peruvian chocolate and cacao.
- Quinoa, kiwicha and dried chili peppers.
- Pisco, within the alcohol allowances.
Find all our souvenir ideas in the article Peruvian handicrafts: what to bring back from your trip.
Coca tea, a tradition to discover in Peru
During your stay, a mate de coca on arrival in Cusco helps you adjust to the altitude, and sharing leaves with local people is a real moment of exchange. More altitude tips in our article Health and trip in Peru.
The information in this article is given as a guide only. Before you leave, check with your country's customs authority.
