Edge80,
Here is the excerpt from erowid.org.
U.S. FEDERAL LAW
FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS
CLASSIFICATION Stimulant
LEGAL STATUS Regulated by FDA
SCHEDULE DEA List 1 Chemical
Ephedrine is approved as a drug by the FDA for human consumption, but because it is a precursor for several scheduled drugs (methamphetamine & methcathinone), it is highly regulated. Possession of Ephedrine is legal, but sales of large quantities are monitored and many states heavily regulate the forms and methods in which it is sold.
Read the text of the 1994 DEA ruling which further restricts sales of Ephedrine.
The FDA plans to ban ephedrine from sale in over the counter dietary supplements in early 2004. See FDA's February 2004 Announcement.
US States
Several states in the US have controls on the sales of ephedrine.
California: Bans sale of "ephedrine group alkaloids" (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine) in over the counter non-medical herbal supplements (approved medicines still allowed to contain the chemicals) after Jan 1, 2003. (SB-582 amending Article 4.5 Section 110423.100)
Illinois: Some control of OTC sales (specifics not known).
New York State: Some control of OTC sales, specifics not known.
INTERNATIONAL LAW
Canada
Both Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine are schedule VI in Canada, controlling certain sales and importation but this does not make possession illegal. Health Canada has banned ephedrine's over-the-counter sale (2003) (thanks to Aaron). See Canadian Drug Law.
Deutschland (Germany)
Ephedrine is controlled but we don't really understand how. It is not in the BtMG (similar to US Schedules), but we have reports of it being seized from people's possessions. Pseudoephedrine is legal for medical use but strictly monitored by the government. (unconfirmed)
Finland
It has been reported that in Finland ephedrine is a prescription medication. Posessing it without a prescription is illegal as is ordering it from outside Finland through postal services without a prescription (whether it's plant material or synthetic does not matter). (from Sir Robin)