Novinky

Southeast Asia as the cradle of quality

From the perspective of geographical origin, the most important regions are Indonesia and Malaysia. These countries offer an ideal tropical environment that the trees need for healthy growth. Current Czech laws, specifically the decree on psychomodulatory substances, strictly require that the country of origin be clearly stated on every retail package. For customers, this means complete transparency, because information on whether the raw material comes, for example, from the rainforests of Indonesia is among the mandatory information on the label.

Within these Asian locations, we distinguish two basic ways in which the leaves are obtained. The first source consists of places where people systematically plant trees for economic purposes. The second source is wild-growing trees found directly in their natural jungle environment. In practice, raw material from wild-growing trees is considered a sign of very high quality.

How location affects the internal composition of the leaves

The main measure of the properties that leaves from a particular location have is the content of active substances. The most important include, in particular, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Regional differences are very interesting in this respect and clearly demonstrable. According to results from accredited laboratories, the amount of mitragynine can vary significantly depending on exactly where the leaves were collected.

While some areas produce leaves with a lower concentration of this substance, usually around 0.7%, other locations reach much higher values. In places with ideal conditions where wild trees grow, the concentration may reach up to 1.6%. These differences are not random, but are the direct result of the unique ecosystem of the given location.

Regional differences and legal subtypes

Current legislation also divides the properties of leaves into specific subtypes, which you may know by their colour designation. Each subtype has a different ratio of active substances, which is determined by a combination of the collection site and subsequent processing in the given region.

The green subtype often comes from locations that produce leaves with a very high mitragynine content, which tests confirm at values of up to around 1.6%. The white subtype has regionally determined properties such that the content of the active substance usually ranges between 1.2% and 1.5%. The yellow and gold subtype show stable characteristics with a mitragynine content of 1.4%. The red and brown subtype are usually characterised by a lower proportion of this substance, ranging from 0.7% to 0.9%, but they often contain other accompanying components typical of the given area.

Strict control and traceability of origin

Since kratom in the Czech Republic is classified as a psychomodulatory substance, its geographical origin is subject to very strict monitoring. Every batch must be fully traceable back to the original grower or collector in Southeast Asia.

Every importer must have reports from accredited laboratories available. These tests confirm that the properties of leaves from the given area precisely comply with legal limits and declared values.

Purity of raw material from Asian regions

Geographical origin also affects the purity of the entire raw material. After collection in Asia, the leaves are subjected to strict testing for the presence of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium or arsenic. Experts also monitor the occurrence of moulds or bacteria such as salmonella.

Laws set very strict limits for these substances, which raw material from the given location must unconditionally meet. Another important step is protecting the leaves during the long journey from Asia to Europe. The raw material is therefore often treated with special gamma irradiation to remove undesirable organisms while preserving all of its original properties.

The area of Southeast Asia from which kratom comes is therefore the foundation of its properties. Whether it is wild trees from deep rainforests or raw material from monitored locations, geographical position and strict rules give you certainty about what exactly each leaf contains. It is precisely the obligation to state the country of origin and thorough laboratory controls that ensure the plant’s properties are in full compliance with Czech law.

Legislative framework for the sale of kratom in the Czech Republic (2026)

Since 2025, new rules have come into effect that fundamentally change the way you can obtain the plant Mitragyna speciosa, known as kratom. Kratom legislation in the Czech Republic introduced the category of so-called psychomodulatory substances (PMS), which aims to ensure that only a verified and safely packaged product reaches adult users. Below in the article, you will learn what impact kratom legislation has on the end user.

What does the new legislation mean for ordinary users?

The good news is that you do not need any permit for the mere possession of PMS (kratom) in small quantities. The regulation mainly affects sellers and distributors in order to guarantee quality and the protection of children. The most important rule for you as a customer is the age limit, because purchasing is currently permitted exclusively to persons over 18 years of age.

Where and how can you buy kratom safely?

Since 2026, the purchasing process has been significantly tightened in order to prevent illegal sales.

• Specialized stores: Kratom can no longer be found in ordinary convenience stores or vending machines. Sales are permitted only in specialized stores, where entry is completely prohibited to persons under 18 years of age. A visible warning about the prohibition of sales to minors must be displayed both at the entrance and at the checkout.
• Purchase via e-shop: Online purchasing is possible only from sellers who also operate a brick-and-mortar store. As a customer, you must undergo electronic age verification through the NIA system when placing an order, for example using Bank Identity, eID card or MojeID.
• Parcel delivery: The courier must hand the parcel over to you personally, directly into your hands, after verifying your age again according to your identity document. The goods cannot be left in a parcel box or mailbox.

How can you recognize a legal and safe product?

When purchasing, always pay attention to the packaging and label. Legislation in the Czech Republic now strictly determines what the packaging must look like in order to be safe for you and those around you:

1. Maximum package size: For crushed leaves and powder, the limit is 50 g per package; for extracts, it is 10 g or 10 ml.
2. Safety closure: Each package must have a child-resistant safety closure and a tamper-evident seal, so that you can tell whether the package has been opened before you.
3. Product appearance: A legal product must not resemble food, sweets, such as gummy bears, or a toy. The packaging should be factual and technical, without colorful motifs attracting children.
4. Laboratory testing: Every batch placed on the market by the seller must have a certificate from an accredited laboratory. Not only the content of active substances is tested, but also microbiological purity, including the absence of molds and bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli.

Why can you no longer find descriptions of effects on websites?

If you have noticed that the websites of kratom sellers are now very brief and technical, this is a direct consequence of the new legislation. The Act on Advertising Regulation has introduced a blanket advertising ban for psychomodulatory substances across all communication channels. This regime is the strictest in Czech law, even stricter than for tobacco or alcohol.

Important information on the label

From the user’s perspective, the most important sections on the label are those dedicated to the composition of kratom and safe handling. On every legal package you will find:

• Content of active substances: The exact amount of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in milligrams.
• Instructions for use and dosage: Information on how to prepare the product and the maximum amount that may be used so that the statutory limit is not exceeded.
• Mandatory warnings: The text “Kratom may damage your health” must cover at least 30% of the package surface.
• Consumer information: The exact wording informing you that the product is neither a food nor a medicinal product and that long-term use may cause dependence.

Local ordinances and rules for use in public

In addition to nationwide rules, customers must also pay attention to local restrictions. Individual municipalities in the Czech Republic have the authority to issue generally binding ordinances that may regulate the handling of kratom within their territory.

A municipality may prohibit the use of psychomodulatory substances in publicly accessible areas in the following cases:

• Near schools and children’s playgrounds: The main objective is to protect persons under 18 years of age.
• Public events: Handling PMS may be restricted during cultural, sporting or other social events.
• Time restrictions: A municipality may specify particular days or hours during which kratom may be prohibited in public.

Before handling kratom in public, it is therefore recommended to check with the local authority whether any specific restriction applies in the given location, so that the user can avoid possible sanctions from the municipal police. Although a municipality cannot prohibit sales in a legally approved specialized store, it may regulate the handling of the product on the street in front of it.

Final provisions

According to the legislation, there should be a break of at least 3 days between individual doses, and the product should not be combined with alcohol, medicines or other psychoactive substances. At the same time, there is a strict ban on driving motor vehicles under the influence of kratom, even several hours after the dose.

The new kratom legislation in the Czech Republic in 2026 brings order and higher standards to sales, protecting primarily you as the end consumer from purchasing unverified and unlabelled substances.

Mitragyna speciosa: botanical characteristics and taxonomy

In recent years, the tropical tree known as Mitragyna speciosa, commonly referred to as kratom, has become a widely discussed topic in the Czech Republic. For potential users, it is essential to understand this species not only from the perspective of its natural origin, but also through the strict legislative framework in the Czech Republic, which defines exactly what may legally be sold under this name and which parameters kratom products must meet. Since November 12, 2025, this species has officially been included on the list of psychomodulatory substances (PML), fundamentally changing the way it is characterized and regulated.

Systematic classification and legal definition

From a botanical perspective, Mitragyna speciosa belongs to tropical flora; however, within the context of the Czech market, its identity is primarily defined by narcotic substances legislation. Legislation requires that every product containing this plant be clearly labeled with mandatory information, which must appear together and may not be graphically separated.

The label must always begin with the designation “KRATOM”, followed by the product type, either “POWDER” or “EXTRACT”. Beneath this designation, there is also the kratom subtype (for traditional powder this includes 6 different colors, while extracts may include tablets, gummies, etc.). This systematic labeling serves for the immediate identification of the substance in accordance with Government Regulation No. 456/2025 Coll. For the end customer, this label is the first indication that the product is subject to state regulation and quality control.

Geographical origin and source transparency

From a botanical standpoint, Mitragyna speciosa is characterized as a tropical tree. For consumers, information about the geographical origin is important because it helps clarify the entire supply chain and is also a mandatory part of psychomodulatory substance labeling. According to current legislation, every individual and outer package must clearly state the country of origin, meaning the specific country where the plant material was cultivated.

The primary countries of origin commonly listed within documentation and distribution systems are Indonesia and Thailand. Within the “Plody Země” system, this information is closely connected with a strict traceability system. The batch number, beginning with the letter “L” followed by eight digits, is an identifier that is often assigned to the raw material already at the place of origin, for example directly during ordering from Indonesia.

The emphasis on declaring the country of origin ensures that botanical material can be reliably traced from a specific producer in Southeast Asia all the way to final processing and laboratory testing in the Czech Republic. Together with the manufacturer’s name, production date, and batch number, this information forms a unified data set defining the legal origin and identity of the plant on the market. Source transparency is therefore the foundation for the safe handling of this substance within the psychomodulatory substances regime.

Morphology and product forms

Plant material from Mitragyna speciosa reaches the market in several morphological forms, all of which must be clearly indicated on the packaging. The most common form is powder, consisting of dried and finely ground tree leaves. Another variant is the extract, a concentrated extract that may exist in solid or liquid forms such as tinctures or oils.

An interesting aspect of commercial subtype taxonomy is the color classification, which is typical for this species. Legislation recognizes six basic subtypes:

• Green
• White
• Red
• Yellow
• Brown
• Gold

These colors refer to different leaf processing methods rather than different biological species. In the case of solid product forms (for example compressed powder), the law strictly mandates neutral geometric shapes such as circles, squares, or ovals. Any shapes resembling animals, fruit, or cartoon figures are prohibited to prevent the product from appearing attractive to persons under 18 years of age.

Chemical profile and active alkaloids

The botanical uniqueness of Mitragyna speciosa lies in its chemical composition, dominated by specific alkaloids. The most important among them are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These substances are subject to strict laboratory testing, which every batch must pass before being released for sale.

For standard 50 g packaging (the maximum permitted size for powder products), the following limits apply:

• Mitragynine: maximum 1,250 mg per package (concentration must not exceed 2.5% by weight).
• 7-hydroxymitragynine: maximum 50 mg per package (concentration up to 0.1% by weight).

For extracts, the limits are adapted to their concentrated composition, with mitragynine levels allowed up to 12.5% by weight. Every seller must possess a certificate from an accredited laboratory confirming that the specific batch does not exceed these legal limits.

Purity standards and safety testing

As with any natural material, Mitragyna speciosa carries a risk of contamination from external influences. Therefore, products undergo comprehensive laboratory testing focused on several critical areas:

1. Heavy metals: Monitoring includes arsenic (limit 0.5 mg/kg), lead (3.0 mg/kg), cadmium (1.0 mg/kg), and mercury (0.1 mg/kg).
2. Microbiology: Total microorganism count (TMC), molds, yeasts, and E. coli bacteria are monitored. The presence of Salmonella bacteria must be negative in a 25 g sample.
3. Mycotoxins and PAHs: Testing includes aflatoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may arise from improper drying or storage.

The results of these tests guarantee that the plant material is pure and complies with the requirements of Decree No. 448/2025 Coll.

Storage and preservation of plant material

To preserve the botanical properties of ground Mitragyna speciosa leaves and prevent degradation, specific storage conditions must be maintained. The powder is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the environment. If relative humidity exceeds 60%, there is a significant risk of mold and yeast growth.

The temperature should remain stable and ideally not exceed 25 °C. Higher temperatures and direct sunlight accelerate the degradation of active alkaloids. For this reason, opaque packaging with protection against UV radiation and moisture is recommended. Such packaging must also include child-resistant features and a tamper evidence element confirming that the package has not been opened prior to purchase.

Mandatory information for users

In addition to botanical and chemical data, every package must contain additional mandatory information referred to by legislation as “Consumer Information”. This text is strictly defined by regulation and includes warnings regarding the psychoactive nature of the substance, statements that it is neither a food nor a medicinal product, and instructions for safe handling.

An integral part is also the health warning, which must cover at least 30% of the package surface: “Use of this product may damage your health. Follow the consumer information.” These details provide customers with clear information about the properties of the plant, its limits, and safe storage practices. As a result, the product becomes more transparent.

Mandatory Labeling of Kratom Products: How to Recognize a Legal and Safe Product?

Since the end of 2025, strict rules have applied in the Czech Republic for the sale of products containing Mitragyna speciosa (kratom). These rules, introduced by Act No. 321/2024 Coll. and Decree No. 448/2025 Coll., have one primary goal: to ensure that customers know exactly what they are buying and have a guarantee of laboratory-verified quality. If a product label lacks these mandatory requirements, the product may not be legally placed on the market.

What Must Be Clearly Visible at First Glance? (Information Hierarchy)

Legislation establishes a precise order of information that must appear in the upper part of the packaging. This block must not be interrupted by a logo or any graphics. As a customer, you should see these four lines on every legal package:

1. PSYCHOMODULATORY SUBSTANCE (dominant text at the very top).
2. KRATOM or KRATOM EXTRACT (name on a single line).
3. Form: POWDER or EXTRACT.
4. Subtype: e.g. green, white, or red.

Another highly visible element is the health warning, which must cover at least 30% of the package surface. It must be black text on a white background with the wording: “The use of this product may damage your health. Follow consumer information instructions.”.

Key Composition Information: Know What You Are Using

For your safety, it is essential to know the exact composition and strength of the product. Legal kratom labeling must include:

• Active substance content: The label must state the exact content of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in milligrams. Standard kratom is limited to a maximum of 2.5% mitragynine and 0.1% 7-hydroxymitragynine.
• Batch number: Look for a code beginning with the letter “L” (e.g. L 20251101). This code identifies the batch and allows kratom to be traced from import to final sale to the consumer.
• Package size: If you are purchasing powder, one package may not contain more than 50 g of product. For extracts, the limit is 10 g or 10 ml.
• Allergens and origin: The country of origin (e.g. Indonesia) and any allergens must be stated.

Packaging Safety: Protection for You and Your Surroundings

The packaging of a legal product also serves a protective function. Always check for these technical features:

1. Tamper evidence (seal): The packaging must be secured so that you can recognize whether it has been opened before purchase (e.g. tear ring or seal over the cap).
2. Child-resistant closure: Every package must have a safety closure that makes it difficult for children to open (e.g. a “push-and-turn” system).
3. Visual restraint: Legal kratom packaging must never contain images of fruit, candy, or cartoon characters. The packaging must remain factual and technical so that it does not attract persons under 18 years of age.

What Will You Never Find on the Packaging? (Prohibited Claims)

Because kratom is not classified in the Czech Republic as a food, medicine, or dietary supplement, the law prohibits any appealing or health-related claims on packaging. Prohibited elements include:

• Medical and health claims: Statements such as “relieves pain”, “helps against anxiety”, or “clinically tested”.
• Vitalizing claims: Words such as “energizing”, “stimulating”, or “for better performance”.
• Ecological claims: Labels such as “Bio”, “Natural”, “Eco”, or “from organic farming”.
• Economic incentives: Information about discounts, promotions, or loyalty points may not appear directly on the packaging.

Why Are Terms Like “Bio” or “Natural” Missing from the Label?

When purchasing products containing Mitragyna speciosa, customers may notice that the labels are highly factual and lack previously common descriptions such as “100% natural” or “organic”. This situation is not due to any change in product quality, but is a direct consequence of the strict rules established by Decree No. 448/2025 Coll., which regulates the labeling requirements for psychomodulatory substances (PML).

Absolute Ban on Ecological Claims

Legislation for this market segment explicitly prohibits the use of so-called ecological or natural claims on packaging, labels, or any form of presentation. Prohibited elements include:

• Words such as “Bio”, “Eco”, “Natural”, “natural”, or “natural effects”.
• References to “organic farming”.
• Any graphics or texts suggesting that the product is safe or beneficial to health because of its natural origin.

The Purpose of the Ban Is Consumer Protection

The primary purpose of this legislative restriction is to eliminate the risk that the term “natural” could create a misleading impression that the product is risk-free. There are no authorized health claims for kratom, and the law requires its presentation to remain strictly technical and factual. Any association with “nature” or “good mood” could be considered illegal advertising.

Facts and Safety Instead of Marketing

Due to these rules, legal sellers must focus their texts on safety and technical parameters rather than attractive marketing descriptions. Therefore, packaging and websites contain only concise information such as:

• Exact composition listed in descending order by weight.
• The legally required warning: “The use of this product may damage your health. Follow consumer information instructions.”.
• Information stating that the product is not a food or medicinal product and has not been clinically tested.

This approach ensures that only informed adult users purchase the product, knowing exactly what they are looking for and without being influenced by misleading claims about the substance being natural or ecological.

Mandatory Consumer Information

Every legal package contains an extensive text block called “Consumer Information”, which serves as an essential guide for safe handling. It informs you, for example:

• That long-term use of the product may lead to addiction.
• That you should avoid driving motor vehicles for at least 8 hours after use.
• That a 3-day break between individual uses is recommended.
• That the product must not be combined with alcohol, medication, or psychoactive substances.

By purchasing a product that meets all these requirements for kratom labeling, you protect your health and can be certain that you are buying a verified product from a legal distributor under the supervision of state authorities.

Regulation of online sale of kratom in Czech Republic and EU

Purchase of kratom on the internet underwent its biggest change in 2025. If you were used to ordering Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) as a common collectible item, new legislation in the Czech Republic has definitively ended this approach. Kratom has been classified into a new category of so-called psychomodulatory substances (PML), which for you as a customer means a number of new rules, but also significantly higher assurance of product safety and purity.

This guide will walk you through the current legal framework, explain why you can no longer use pickup boxes, and clarify the legality of kratom within the European Union.

Kratom as a regulated substance: What has changed?

Since 12 November 2025, kratom (including extracts) has been officially listed as a psychomodulatory substance. This means the state no longer views sellers as traders of “botanical samples”, but as distributors of regulated substances under the supervision of the Czech State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI).

For the average user, the key point is that while you may store kratom for personal use without a permit, its online sale and sale in brick-and-mortar stores is now subject to strict conditions designed primarily to protect your health and prevent access by minors.

Strict rules for e-shops: The end of anonymous purchases

You may have noticed that many kratom e-shops disappeared after the new legislation was introduced. This is because operating online kratom sales can no longer be done anonymously from a living room.

Requirement for a physical store

A legal e-shop can no longer exist independently. Every seller must first operate a specialized physical store with a permit issued by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. This ensures you are buying from a traceable entity that meets hygiene and storage standards.

Age verification via NIA system

The biggest change in the e-shop checkout process is mandatory online age verification via the certified NIA system. For you as a customer, this means that before placing an order you must prove you are over 18 using:

• Bank identity (BankID).
• eID card.
• mojeID.

This process is safe for you because the kratom seller usually only receives the information “YES, over 18”, without accessing your personal data.

Why can’t your package be delivered to a pickup box anymore?

Customers often complain about the inability to deliver parcels to self-service boxes (such as AlzaBox or Z-Box). However, the law is strict: delivery of psychomodulatory substances without a physical person present is prohibited.

During delivery, there must be so-called handover into the recipient’s own hands. The courier is legally required to:

1. Physically verify your age by checking your ID card or passport.
2. Record your name and full ID document number in the delivery protocol.
3. Obtain your handwritten signature.

If you cannot prove you are 18+, the courier must not hand over the parcel and it is returned to the seller. Your data is protected – the seller may not use it for marketing and must delete it after 5 years. However, another person may accept the parcel if they know the order number and prove their age with an ID.

Cross-border sales: Beware of Poland and neighboring countries

A common question is whether kratom can be sent abroad, for example to friends or on holiday. Here we encounter a complete ban on cross-border distance sales.

A Czech e-shop must not send kratom outside the Czech Republic. This is also linked to very different legislation in neighboring countries. While the Czech Republic chose regulation, many neighbors apply full prohibition.

• Poland: Kratom is on the list of prohibited substances and its sale and possession is illegal.
• Slovakia: Similarly to Poland, kratom is classified as a narcotic and psychotropic substance with full criminal consequences.

Attempting to export kratom from the Czech Republic risks not only seizure by customs, but also criminal prosecution for unauthorized handling of PML, with penalties from 2 to 8 years in prison. In some countries, penalties may be significantly stricter.

Transport for personal use may be allowed only to countries where possession is legal. It is always recommended to check the current legal status before travel.

Laboratory testing: Your guarantee of purity

Thanks to regulation, you no longer have to rely only on seller claims. Each batch of kratom (marked with a code starting with “L” and 8 digits) must have a certificate from an accredited laboratory. These tests guarantee:

• Maximum mitragynine concentration: Limit is 2.5% for powder and 12.5% for extracts.
• Microbiological safety: Absence of Salmonella spp. and E. coli.
• Purity from heavy metals and mycotoxins: Limits for arsenic, lead, mercury and aflatoxins.

This ensures the product is treated and free from mold or dangerous contaminants.

Boring website as a sign of professionalism

New legislation also banned advertising of PML substances. Any health or performance claims are not allowed.

A seller’s website should now be factual, technical and educational. It should include for example:

• Botanical description of Mitragyna speciosa.
• Mandatory composition and warnings.
• Links to laboratory certificates.

If an e-shop uses emotional marketing or targets young users, it is likely violating the law and may face fines up to 5,000,000 CZK.

The new regulation of kratom in the Czech Republic in 2025 has brought order to the online market. Although the process is more complex, the result is a safer market where customers know exactly what they are buying.

Kratom in the new PML legal framework

Since November 2025, a major legislative change came into force in the Czech Republic. Under Act No. 321/2024 Coll., kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) was classified as a psychoactive modulating substance (PML). This step ended the period of an unregulated market and introduced strict rules for its distribution, storage, and labelling. Kratom is no longer considered ordinary goods but a substance subject to supervision by the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI), ensuring greater transparency and product safety on the market.

Classification system: Colour as a mandatory “subtype”

Within the new legal framework, colour designation is no longer just a marketing name but becomes a legal requirement for product identification. According to Decree No. 448/2025 Coll., the label must follow a precise hierarchy of data, where colour is defined as a “subtype” of the substance. This precise terminology is key for traceability of each batch and its correct registration in the mandatory electronic system.

Technical and alkaloid specification of colour subtypes

The main technical difference between subtypes is their analytical profile, defined by the content of major alkaloids – especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Legislation sets a limit of a maximum of 1,250 mg of mitragynine and 50 mg of 7-hydroxymitragynine per 50g package. Analyses in accredited laboratories, such as BAFA at the University of Chemistry and Technology, confirm the following parameters of individual subtypes:

Green kratom: Technically shows the highest mitragynine concentration, reaching up to 1.6% (w/w) in selected batches (e.g. L20261002).

White and yellow kratom: These variants show stable values in the range of 1.4% to 1.5% mitragynine.

Gold kratom: Analytical measurements (e.g. batch L20264001) confirm a mitragynine level of 1.4% (w/w).

Red and brown kratom: From a technical perspective, these subtypes have a lower mitragynine content, usually in the range of 0.7% to 0.9%.

Permitted colour subtypes on the Czech market

The current regulatory system allows distribution of six basic colour subtypes in the Czech Republic: green, white, yellow, red, brown, and gold. Each of these products must undergo testing for contaminants under strict limits:

• Heavy metals: Maximum allowed levels for arsenic (0.5 mg/kg), lead (3.0 mg/kg), cadmium (1.0 mg/kg), and mercury (0.1 mg/kg).
• Microbiology: Screening for Salmonella (must be negative), E. coli, and limits for moulds and yeasts.

Technical aspects of processing and botanical origin

Kratom from Plody země comes from wild-growing trees in Indonesia. The production process takes place in hygienically certified facilities, where raw material in 1 kg vacuum bags is disinfected and then repackaged into final 50g packages.

An important technical step ensuring purity is gamma irradiation treatment. Although laboratory analysis cannot retrospectively prove whether the treatment was applied, its use is highly recommended to eliminate unwanted microflora and ensure safety of each colour batch. Each batch is then labelled with a unique code (starting with the letter “L”), accompanying the product throughout the entire process from production to final sale.

Conclusion: Transparency and safety through precise labelling

The introduction of a clear classification system and mandatory testing in accredited laboratories raises the overall industry standard. Plody země is based on an individual approach and guarantees that each subtype meets not only visual requirements but also strict analytical limits for purity and alkaloid profile. Transparent labelling is therefore key to sustainability and safety within the new market for psychoactive modulating substances.

Kratom under the new PML legal framework

Since November 2025, a major legislative change has come into effect in the Czech Republic. Based on Act No. 321/2024 Coll., kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has been classified as a psychomodulatory substance (PML). This step ended the period of an unregulated market and introduced strict rules for its distribution, storage, and labeling. Kratom is no longer considered ordinary goods, but a substance subject to supervision by the State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI), ensuring greater transparency and safety of products on the market.

Classification system: Color as a mandatory “subtype”

Under the new legal framework, color designation is no longer just a marketing label but becomes a legal requirement for product identification. According to Decree No. 448/2025 Coll., the label must follow a precise hierarchy of information, where color is defined as a “subtype” of the substance. This precise terminology is crucial for traceability of each batch and its correct classification in the mandatory electronic registry.

Technical and alkaloid specification of color subtypes

The main technical difference between subtypes is their analytical profile, defined by the content of major alkaloids – especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Legislation sets a limit of a maximum of 1,250 mg of mitragynine and 50 mg of 7-hydroxymitragynine per 50g package. Analyses in accredited laboratories, such as BAFA at the University of Chemistry and Technology, confirm the following parameters of individual subtypes:

Green kratom: Technically shows the highest mitragynine concentration, reaching up to 1.6% (w/w) in selected batches (e.g., L20261002).

White and yellow kratom: These variants show stable values in the range of 1.4% to 1.5% mitragynine.

Gold kratom: Analytical measurements (e.g., batch L20264001) confirm a mitragynine level of 1.4% (w/w).

Red and brown kratom: From a technical perspective, these subtypes have a lower mitragynine content, typically between 0.7% and 0.9%.

Permitted color subtypes on the Czech market

The current legislative system allows the distribution of six basic color subtypes in the Czech Republic: green, white, yellow, red, brown, and gold. Each product must undergo contaminant testing under strict limits:

• Heavy metals: Maximum permitted levels for arsenic (0.5 mg/kg), lead (3.0 mg/kg), cadmium (1.0 mg/kg), and mercury (0.1 mg/kg).
• Microbiology: Testing for Salmonella (must be negative), E. coli, and limits for mold and yeast.

Technical aspects of processing and botanical origin

Kratom from Plody země comes from wild-growing trees in Indonesia. The production process takes place in hygienically certified facilities, where raw material in 1 kg vacuum bags is disinfected and then repackaged into final 50g packages.

An important technical step to ensure purity is gamma irradiation treatment. Although laboratory analyses cannot retrospectively prove whether the treatment was applied, its use is highly recommended to eliminate unwanted microflora and ensure the safety of each color batch. Each batch is then labeled with a unique code (starting with the letter “L”), which accompanies the product throughout the entire process from production to sale to the end customer.

Conclusion: Transparency and safety through precise labeling

The introduction of a clear classification system and mandatory testing in accredited laboratories raises the standard of the entire industry. Plody země is based on an individual approach and guarantees that each subtype meets not only visual requirements but especially strict analytical limits for purity and alkaloid profile. Transparent labeling is thus key to sustainability and safety within the new market for psychomodulatory substances.

Analytical quality control of psychomodulatory substances (PML) requires strict adherence to laboratory protocols and monitoring of specific purity parameters; therefore, laboratory testing of kratom is carried out. Each production batch of leaves from the plant Mitragyna speciosa must be examined in an accredited laboratory before being placed on the market to ensure compliance with safety limits established for health protection.

Determination of alkaloid content and legal limits for kratom

The main focus of analytical testing is the quantification of active compounds, specifically mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Precise concentration limits are defined for powdered form. The maximum permissible amount of mitragynine in a 50 g package is 1,250 mg, corresponding to a concentration of 2.5%. For 7-hydroxymitragynine, the limit is set at 50 mg per package (0.1%). These values are determined in laboratories using the standard operating procedure SOP-A-01. If measured values exceed these limits, the batch is considered non-compliant and must not be released for sale.

Microbiological criteria and monitored pathogens

Due to the plant origin of the material, microbiological stability is a critical parameter. Several contamination indicators are monitored. The total microbial count (TMC) must not exceed 10⁷ CFU/g. For molds and yeasts, the limit is set at 10⁵ CFU/g. Special attention is given to pathogenic bacteria, where the presence of Salmonella spp. must be negative in a 25 g sample and the level of E. coli must not exceed 100 CFU/g. Laboratories follow standards ČSN EN ISO 4833-1 (TMC), ČSN ISO 21527-2 (molds and yeasts), and ČSN EN ISO 6579-1 (Salmonella).

Analytical procedures for detecting heavy metals in kratom

Testing for heavy metals is essential to exclude environmental contamination from the country of origin. Four key elements are monitored with the following maximum limits:

• Arsenic (As): 0.5 mg/kg.
• Cadmium (Cd): 1.0 mg/kg.
• Lead (Pb): 3.0 mg/kg.
• Mercury (Hg): 0.1 mg/kg.

ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) according to ČSN EN ISO 17294-1,2 is used to measure arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations. Mercury content is analyzed using specialized atomic analyzers AMA 254.

Monitoring of mycotoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Another monitored risk involves fungal metabolic byproducts—mycotoxins. The limit for aflatoxin B1 is set at 0.005 mg/kg (5 µg/kg), and the total aflatoxin content (sum of B1, B2, G1, and G2) must not exceed 0.01 mg/kg (10 µg/kg). Organic contaminant testing also includes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), specifically benzo[a]pyrene and the sum of 4 PAHs, with a limit of 0.05 mg/kg. These analyses use liquid chromatography (B-TABLCF02) and gas chromatography with mass detection (B-PAHHMS01).

Sampling methodology and laboratory certification

For results to be legally valid, testing must be performed by a laboratory accredited by the Czech Accreditation Institute according to ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018. Each sample submitted for analysis must be in final packaging and properly labeled with a batch number (format L + 8 digits) to ensure full traceability of results to the production batch. The output of testing is a Test Report, which includes measured values, measurement uncertainty, and a statement of conformity confirming whether the batch meets safety requirements. These documents are a key part of technical documentation and must be retained for at least 5 years.

Legislative definition and technical parameters of the plant matrix

The plant Mitragyna speciosa, within the legislation of the Czech Republic classified as a psychomodulatory substance (PML), has been subject since 12 November 2025 to a strict regulatory regime under Government Regulation No. 456/2025 Coll. Technological processing of kratom must comply with the requirements of Decree No. 448/2025 Coll., which defines the permitted product form as a dried ground plant, powder, or extract. In terms of physical parameters, this is a plant matrix where emphasis is placed on fineness of grinding and batch homogeneity, while the unit package weight for solid form must not exceed 50 g in the final product.

Decontamination and stabilization of batches using gamma radiation

A key element of the technological process after harvesting and drying kratom is ensuring microbiological stability of the plant material. Due to the natural origin of the raw material, it is necessary to eliminate the risk of pathogenic organisms. The standard of Plody země is the use of sterilization using gamma radiation. This process is suitable for achieving legally defined microbiological limits, where batches must test negative for bacteria of the genus Salmonella and show E. coli values below 100 CFU/g. The total microbial count (TMC) must not exceed 10^7 CFU/g.

Technological processing procedure: From dry material to fine matrix

The process of transforming raw kratom leaves into the final product involves several stages of mechanical processing. After primary drying and possible fermentation, the leaves are ground into a fine powder matrix. The technological equipment must be set so that the resulting consistency meets the standards for loose PML substances. During grinding, the priority is to preserve the concentration of active compounds, namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. According to Decree No. 448/2025 Coll., the mitragynine content in a unit package must not exceed 2.5%, and for 7-hydroxymitragynine the limit is set at a maximum of 0.1% by weight.

Standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling and sealing

The production itself, defined as repackaging from bulk vacuum bags of 1 kg into unit packaging, is carried out according to the strict protocol PR-SOP-001. Before entering production areas, transport bags are disinfected using 99% isopropyl alcohol. Personnel are required to use protective equipment, including coats, gloves, hair and beard nets, and respirators.

Filling is carried out either manually or using a semi-automatic auger dosing system with an integrated scale. The target weight of each package is set within a tolerance of 49.7 – 50.0 g. After filling, the sealing process follows, where the doypack is closed and hermetically sealed using a pulse or continuous sealer. Each package must include a tamper-evident element proving it has not been opened before sale.

Protocols for handling technological deviations and non-conforming products

Any deviation from the standard procedure must be recorded in form PR-F-003. In case of matrix integrity breach (product spillage), the material must be immediately weighed, recorded as waste, and placed in a designated hazardous waste room. If during control weighing the weight exceeds 50 g, recalibration of the dosing machine follows and the product is repackaged. To prevent cross-contamination between batches, a special vacuum cleaner dedicated exclusively to production areas is used, and thorough sanitation of all machine components is performed.

Quality verification and laboratory control of output parameters

Each batch placed on the market must be accompanied by a certificate from an accredited laboratory, such as UCT Prague (BAFA laboratory) or the National Institute of Public Health (SZÚ). In addition to alkaloid content, analysis includes screening for contaminants. The following heavy metal limits are mandatory: arsenic (max 0.5 mg/kg), lead (max 3.0 mg/kg), cadmium (max 1.0 mg/kg), and mercury (max 0.1 mg/kg). Absence of aflatoxins and the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are also verified, with a limit set at 0.05 mg/kg.

Traceability system and archival of production samples

To ensure maximum transparency, each batch is assigned a unique code in the format “L + 8 digits”. This code is assigned already at the time of raw material ordering in the country of origin (e.g. Indonesia) and accompanies the product throughout the entire production and documentation process until the final consumer. From each completed production run, a sample is taken for archiving, documented in sample collection records (HS-F-005) and production records (Batch record PR-F-002). All documentation related to production and batch testing must be retained for a minimum of 5 years.