Personal Importation
If you are entering the United States (U.S.) with FDA-regulated products in personal baggage or sending products by mail or courier from abroad, the FDA has guidance that governs personal importations. Below you will find useful information regarding importing personal goods that are regulated by the FDA.
- What is personal importation?
- Can I purchase or bring drug or device products from a foreign country to the U.S.? U.S. Citizens and Foreign National Specific Answers
- What if my prescription drug is a controlled substance?
- What if I want to bring in medical marijuana for personal use?
- Can pet medications be considered personal importations?
- Can I purchase or bring biological or medical device products from a foreign country to the U.S.?
- Can FDA-regulated food products be imported for personal use?
- Are there any exemptions from the prior notice requirements for personal importation?
- When would the FDA refuse a personal importation?
What is personal importation?
A personal importation is a product not for further sale or distribution into U.S. commerce. Please refer to the FDA's Regulatory Procedures Manual (RPM) Chapter 9-2 for more information on "Coverage of Personal Importations".
Can I purchase or bring drug or device products from a foreign country to the U.S.?
U.S. Citizens:
In most circumstances, it is illegal for individuals to import drugs or devices into the U.S. for personal use because these products purchased from other countries often have not been approved by the FDA for use and sale in the U.S. If a drug is approved for use in another country but is an unapproved new drug in the U.S. it is illegal to import.
The FDA cannot ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicine purchased over the Internet from foreign sources, storefront businesses that offer to buy foreign medicine for you, or during trips outside the U.S. For these reasons, the FDA recommends only obtaining medicines from legal sources in the U.S.
Are there any circumstances when I could purchase or bring an unapproved drug into the U.S.?
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 (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 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:
- Provide the name and address of the doctor licensed in the U.S. responsible for your treatment with the product, or
- Provide evidence that the product is for the continuation of a treatment begun in a foreign country.
Foreign Nationals:
A foreign national is any person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
If you are traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country for vacation, attending university, travel for work, etc… The FDA understands that you will need to bring your personal medication while you are in the U.S.
The FDA will allow foreign nationals to bring or ship a 90-day supply of drug products. If the foreign national is staying longer than 90 days, they may have additional medication sent to them.
If you are having medication sent to you by mail or courier, it is suggested that you include documentation that provides evidence that the medication is being sent for your own use while visiting the U.S. This may include:
- A copy of the visa/passport
- Letter from doctor
- Copy of Prescription (in English)
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 for additional information.
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.
Can pet medications be considered personal importations?
The same criteria applies to animal drugs as humans. However, instead of a letter from a physician, you should include a letter from the licensed veterinarian that is treating your pet.
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.
Can FDA-regulated food products be imported for personal use?
Yes, you can import food for personal use but prior notice may be required. See Prior Notice of Imported Food Questions and Answers Scope section for more information.
Other government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), have specific requirements for importation of some types of food. Visit the USDA website related to Importing Goods for more information.
Are there any exemptions from the prior notice requirements for personal importation?
Yes, for:
- Food for an individual’s personal use (e.g., for consumption by the individual, family, or friends, and not for sale or other distribution) when it is carried by or otherwise accompanies the individual when arriving in the U.S.;
- Food that was made by an individual in his/her personal residence and sent by that individual as a personal gift (i.e., for non-business reasons) to an individual in the U.S.;
- Food subject to Article 27(3) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) (i.e.,shipped as baggage or cargo constituting the diplomatic bag).
See Prior Notice of Imported Food Questions and Answers Scope section for more information.
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.