FAQ’s

1. I am a U.S. citizen. Can I have medications mailed to me from outside the United States?

legally be able to enter into a binding agreement. Prescription drugs are approved and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . In most circumstances, it is illegal for individuals to import drugs or devices into the United States for personal use because these products purchased from other countries often have not been approved by the FDA for use and sale in the United States. For example, a drug approved for use in another country but not approved by the FDA would be considered an unapproved drug in the United States and, therefore, illegal to import. 

Only medications that can be legally prescribed in the United States may be imported for personal use. Be aware that possession of certain substances may also violate state laws. As a rule, the FDA does not allow the importation of prescription drugs that were purchased outside the United States. Please see the FDA website for information about the enforcement policy for personal use quantities. The FDA has guidance for personal importation of drug or device products. Below provides information regarding situations for which this might be allowed:

• Product is not for treatment of a serious condition and there is no known significant health risk (Over the Counter, OTC); or
• Product is for the treatment of a serious condition (Prescription Drug Products):
  • The product is for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically either through commercial or clinical means
  • There is no known commercialization or promotion of the product to persons residing in the United States
  • The product does not represent an unreasonable risk
  • The customer affirms in writing that the product is for personal use

• The quantity is generally not more than a three-month supply and either:
  1. Provide the name and address of the doctor licensed in the United States responsible for your treatment with the product
  2. Provide evidence that the product is for the continuation of treatment begun in a foreign country

Warning:  The FDA prohibits the importation, by mail or in person, of fraudulent prescription and nonprescription drugs and medical devices. These include unorthodox "cures" for such medical conditions as cancer, AIDS, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis. Although such drugs or devices may be legal elsewhere, if the FDA has not approved them for use in the United States, they may not legally enter the country and will be confiscated, even if they were obtained under a foreign physician's prescription. Additional information about traveling with and importing medication can be found at The FDA's Drugs Page At https://www.fda.gov/drugs.

2. What prescriptions cannot be mailed?

Controlled substances, such as narcotics, anabolic steroids, and hallucinogenic drugs, cannot be mailed internationally and in cases of domestic mail, you would have to be an authorized dispenser, such as a medical practitioner or pharmacist.

3. What happens if you send prescription drugs through the mail?

According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), sending illegal or prescription drugs in the mail, places postal workers and other employees at risk. When a package is found to contain drugs, the postal office will destroy it.

4. When would the FDA refuse a personal importation?

• Product is on an FDA import alert for previous violations
• Shipment appears to be intended for commercial distribution
• Product appears to present a serious risk to health
• FDA-regulated article that appears to represent a health fraud
• Food imported with inadequate prior notice

5. Can I purchase or bring biological or medical device products from a foreign country to the U.S.?

The same considerations generally applies to biological products and medical devices as human drug products mentioned above

6. Are there any circumstances when I could purchase or bring an unapproved drug into the U.S.?

USA Citizens:

For the safety and security of Americans, products that violate FDA laws and/or regulations are generally not permitted. However, in allowing the importation of medications for personal use, FDA personnel may consider a more permissive decision in the following situations:

• Product is not for treatment of a serious condition and there is no known significant health risk; or 
• Shipment appears to be intended for commercial distribution
• Product appears to present a serious risk to health
• FDA-regulated article that appears to represent a health fraud
• Food imported with inadequate prior notice

• Product is for the treatment of a serious condition (i.e., Prescription Drug Products):
  • The product is for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically either through commercial or clinical means
  • There is no known commercialization or promotion of the product to persons residing in the U.S.
  • The product does not represent an unreasonable risk
  • The consumer affirms in writing that the product is for personal use
  • The quantity is generally not more than a three-month supply and either:
    1. Provide the name and address of the doctor licensed in the U.S. responsible for your treatment with the product
    2. Provide evidence that the product is for the continuation of a treatment begun in a foreign country

7. Foreign Nationals purchase or bring an unapproved drug into the U.S.?

• If you are traveling to the United States from a foreign country for vacation, attending university, or work-related travel, the FDA understands that you may need to bring your personal medication while you are in the U.S.
• The FDA may allow foreign nationals to bring or ship up to a 90-day supply of drug products. If the foreign national is staying longer than 90 days, additional medication may be sent to them.
• If medication is sent by mail or courier, it is recommended that you include documentation providing evidence that the medication is for your personal use while visiting the United States.

8. What if my prescription drug is a controlled substance?

Some medications are also controlled substances.  The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will generally make the decision on whether controlled substances are allowed to be imported for personal use.  For those controlled substances that fall under the jurisdiction of both DEA and FDA, the two agencies will coordinate when determining the admissibility of the product.

Visit the DEA website https://www.dea.gov/ for additional information.

9. What if I want to bring in medical marijuana for personal use?

Medical Marijuana is not regulated by the FDA. You should contact Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for questions about the admissibility of medical marijuana (cannabis).

Visit the CBP website for additional information at https://www.cbp.gov/about/contact.

10. Can I purchase or bring biological or medical device products from a foreign country to the U.S.?

The same considerations generally apply to biological products and medical devices as human drug products mentioned above.

11. When would the FDA refuse a personal importation?

• Product is on an FDA import alert for previous violations
• Shipment appears to be intended for commercial distribution
• Product(s) appear to present a serious risk to health
• FDA-regulated article that appears to represent a health fraud
• Medications or food imported with inadequate prior notice
• Can I ship my own medication to myself?
• Only licensed pharmacies and healthcare providers can legally ship medications. Individuals don't meet the legal or security standards required for safe delivery

12. Can I ship my own medication to myself?

Only licensed pharmacies and healthcare providers can legally ship medications. Individuals do not meet the legal or security standards required for safe delivery.

13. Can I ship my own medication to myself?

• Only licensed pharmacies and healthcare providers can legally ship medications
• Individuals do not meet the legal or security standards required for safe delivery

14. Can I mail my prescription drugs to myself internationally?

In the United States, it is not legal for an individual to mail prescription drugs anywhere. In addition, other countries may have restrictions on unregistered drugs (i.e., medications not approved for use in that country) entering their country by mail.

15. What is the penalty for importing prescription drugs?

Penalties for illegally importing prescription drugs vary but can include fines and imprisonment, especially for intent to defraud, and more severe consequences for controlled substances. For a first-time, unintended violation, penalties can include up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. Violations with intent to mislead or defraud carry much higher penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Importing controlled substances can result in higher penalties. 

Penalties for Individuals

• First-time offense: Up to Up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000
• Intent to mislead or defraud: Up to three years in prison and fines up to $250,000
• Controlled substances: Higher penalties apply to controlled substances.
• Second offense: Up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000

Penalties for Professionals

• Physicians and other healthcare professionals may face disciplinary action, up to and including license revocation, for violating federal laws related to drug importation.

16. How to avoid penalties?

• Bring only your own medication: If you are traveling, carry only the medication prescribed to you by a licensed physician.
• Declare all drugs: Declare all medications to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.
• Keep them in original containers: Carry all medications in their original, labeled containers.
• Carry a prescription: Have a written statement from your physician confirming that the medications are for your personal use and are necessary for your physical health while traveling.
• Limit the quantity: Carry only a quantity that a person would normally use for their condition during the trip.

17. What is a drug?

The FDA defines a drug, in part, as “intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease” and “articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals.” This definition is provided under section 201(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)

The definition also includes components of drugs, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Can I get the medications through international telehealth consultation?

No, it is not generally allowed to obtain prescriptions through telehealth consultations with medical professionals abroad. Exceptions may apply only under very special circumstances where U.S.-based medical professionals do not understand the current foreign medications or formulations being taken by the patient.

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) , the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) temporarily relaxed certain requirements to allow prescribing of controlled substances via telehealth without an initial in-person visit in the USA . These temporary flexibilities were extended multiple times but are now transitioning under the proposed “Special Registration Rule” , which is intended to establish a permanent framework for telehealth prescribing of controlled substances.

As of 2025:

• In-person visits may again be required for certain medications
• Providers must stay updated on DEA rulemaking to remain compliant

19. Does MedExpress Services buy my medications to ship?

No, MedExpress Services do not buy and / supply any medications. It can ship to your address provided you meet all the requirements of government of USA including but not limited FDA, DEA, CBP and HHS. One of your family members and / or friends can buy the medication from an authorized and licenses pharmacy based on your Medical Professional’s prescription and authorization from you and ship it through us. MedExpress Services use various international air cargo companies for clearing them through U.S Customs and deliver your medications subject to satisfactory rules and regulations in force.