US customs: What to know when bringing or ordering medications
Flying home with prescription meds or ordering medicine from overseas? US customs and FDA rules can feel confusing. This guide explains what officers look for, which drugs are risky, and clear steps you can take to avoid having your meds stopped at the border.
What US customs checks
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces laws at the border while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) handles whether a drug is allowed into the country. Together they look at type of drug, quantity, labeling, and documentation. Controlled substances (opioids, some sedatives) and unapproved drugs are red flags. Even seemingly harmless supplements can be held if ingredients aren’t allowed by FDA.
Officers check whether medications match a valid prescription, whether they’re in original packaging, and whether amounts suggest personal use or commercial intent. Packages or luggage without clear labeling are more likely to be inspected and seized.
Practical tips to reduce risk
Keep meds in original containers with pharmacy labels and your name. Carry a printed prescription and a short doctor’s note saying why you need the medicine and the dose. If you mail medicines from overseas, ask the sender for a full invoice and the prescription copy to include with the package.
Stick to reasonable quantities — a typical rule is a 90-day supply for personal use, though CBP/FDA decisions can vary. If you need large quantities, consider using a licensed US pharmacy or speak with your clinician about a domestic supply.
Avoid ordering controlled substances or unapproved treatments from foreign sites. Many online pharmacies abroad sell counterfeit or substandard products that will be stopped by customs and may be unsafe to take. Use US-licensed pharmacies when possible, or reputable international services that provide clear licensing and contact details.
If a package is seized, you should get a notice explaining why. Follow the instructions on that notice — it will tell you how to request return or destruction and how to appeal. For questions before travel or shipment, contact CBP or FDA import assistance; they can clarify rules for specific drugs.
Simple habits cut risk: declare your meds when asked, carry prescriptions and doctor notes, keep medication in hand luggage on flights, and prefer US-based sources for controlled or long-term medicines. These steps won’t guarantee zero inspections, but they make it much easier to resolve problems quickly.
Want a quick checklist? 1) Original bottles with labels, 2) Printed prescription and doctor’s note, 3) Keep amounts reasonable, 4) Use licensed pharmacies, 5) Declare when required. Follow that and you’ll avoid most customs headaches while keeping your treatment on track.
