United States Regulations:
Three branches of government are responsible for the importation
of pharmaceuticals.
1. US Customs
2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
It is legal for US
residents to import medications from outside the US provided
they adhere to the following criteria:
- 1. The
product was purchased for personal use and does not exceed a 3
month supply.
- 2. The
product is not for resale.
- 3. The
intended use of the product is appropriately identified.
- 4. The
patient seeking to import the product affirms in writing that
it's for the patient's own use.
- 5. The
patient provides the name and address of the doctor licensed
in the US responsible for his or her treatment with the
product.
- 6. The
medication is not a listed controlled or scheduled substance.
Comments:
The majority of medicines shipped to the US do not meet these
requirements. Should customs seize your medicines they follow
this procedure:
A seizure letter is sent to the recipient.
The recipient has two options:
1. Not respond and forfeit items.
2. Respond within 10 days, providing a doctor's
prescription that validates the claim for import.
Many foreign pharmacies will reship
your order upon receipt of the Custom's seizure letter.
Controlled and scheduled medicines are
referred to the DEA.
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