US Customs question.

[arjunajane]

Hey all,

Very exciting, I may be visiting NY for a couple weeks at the end of the year ! I've just found out my best g'friend from high school is living there and she has invited me to stay. Nothing is definate yet though, so don't wanna get too worked up, lol.
I was just perusing sites for Visas and Customs etc, and saw something that has me concerned - on CBP.gov, it says under prohibited items that
"In virtually all instances, individual citizens are prohibited from importing prescription drugs into the United States."
I would be interested if US people can tell me about this - does this mean any medications at all ?? What about people that have medical conditions?
The reason I'm concerned is, I would most likely have to bring a precription of mine so I don't get ill - I would be a bit too nervous to travel without it.

Does anybody have experience/knowledge of this policy? Has anyone had friends/relatives that have bought in medications? Can you apply for special circumstance etc? I would hate for this to ruin my plans!

TIA !

 

[geckodani]

Date: 10/2/2008 8:38:08 AM
Author:arjunajane
Hey all,

Very exciting, I may be visiting NY for a couple weeks at the end of the year ! I've just found out my best g'friend from high school is living there and she has invited me to stay. Nothing is definate yet though, so don't wanna get too worked up, lol.
I was just perusing sites for Visas and Customs etc, and saw something that has me concerned - on CBP.gov, it says under prohibited items that
'In virtually all instances, individual citizens are prohibited from importing prescription drugs into the United States.'
I would be interested if US people can tell me about this - does this mean any medications at all ?? What about people that have medical conditions?
The reason I'm concerned is, I would most likely have to bring a precription of mine so I don't get ill - I would be a bit too nervous to travel without it.

Does anybody have experience/knowledge of this policy? Has anyone had friends/relatives that have bought in medications? Can you apply for special circumstance etc? I would hate for this to ruin my plans!

TIA !

Okay, I just read the whole thing. The things that jumped out at me were: "The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) prohibits persons from importing into the United States any prescription drug that has not been approved for sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).." So if it's something that is availble in the US, you're good.

What sort of prescription are you bringing in? I know for a fact that my Brother in Law brings his meds with him all the time from Canada when he visits with no problems. If people could not bring their prescriptions, no one would ever visit, LOL.

There is a number to call if you want to double check that yours is allowed: "The FDA is responsible for pharmaceutical admissibility determinations. If you have any questions as to whether a specific pharmaceutical may be imported into the United States, please contact the FDA, Division of Import Operations and Policy, at (301) 443-6553."

http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/restricted/medication_drugs.xml

 

[geckodani]

I also think that the rule applies to people trying to bring in large quantities to sell, not necessarily individual prescriptions.

 

[arjunajane]

Thats great info Gecko, thankyou. I didn't see the bit about the FDA. To be honest, I'm not sure if it is available there - my concern is because its a S4 (schedule 4) drug for pain - I often get terrible migraines, and its the only thing that offers any relief.

I agree with you about nobody would ever visit, lol, thats why I thought it a bit absurd

Any idea if there is a list of approved drugs from the FDA? Off to look..

thanks so much for your help!

ETA: just checked and it is approved by the FDA. I think I will still call though, wouldn't wanna be caught out.


Yay, can get back to planning trip !

 

[MishB]

I know one thing they recommend is that you bring your prescription with the medication, or if you can, get a letter from your doctor.

 

[strmrdr]

As a visitor you are allowed a 90 day supply of anything you have a prescription for.
It must be in the bottle with the prescription information on it.
It is also a good idea to bring a Doctors written prescription with you.

 

[arjunajane]

Thanks MishB and Strm, I will definately get a letter from my Doc too.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I''ve traveled to BC a number of times (by car) and hadn''t had any problems. I just bring the medication in my regular RX bottle w/out a dr. note. Oh, and I usually only put enough in my bottle to last for the trip plus a few extra in case we stay longer.

 

[neatfreak]

Importing implies selling. Storm is right that you are allowed your own prescriptions. BUT it is a great idea to bring a copy of the Dr''s script with you.

 

[arjunajane]

Thanks for replying Neat and MC.

Now my challenge is just to find a flight at that time of year,! lol

 

[star sparkle]

Date: 10/2/2008 9:01:27 AM
Author: geckodani
I also think that the rule applies to people trying to bring in large quantities to sell, not necessarily individual prescriptions.

This is correct.

If it''s just an individual prescription for personal use in a relatively small quantity, you''re perfectly fine.