How to Use International Mail-Order Safely and Legally for Medications (2025 Rules)

James Corden

28 Dec 2025

15 Comments

Buying medication from overseas used to be simple. You found a pharmacy abroad, paid a fraction of what you’d pay at home, and waited for it to arrive in your mailbox. But as of August 29, 2025, that’s no longer true - not in the U.S., and not for most countries following similar rules. The $800 duty-free threshold is gone. What once cost $50 in medicine now could cost $80 extra in fees. And if you don’t get the paperwork right, your package might be seized - or worse, you could face legal trouble.

Why the Rules Changed (And What It Means for You)

Before August 2025, any package under $800 could enter the U.S. without paying customs duties. That meant a $40 bottle of insulin from Canada, a $25 prescription from India, or a $70 anti-anxiety med from the UK could arrive without any extra cost. Over 97% of international mail-order packages qualified. Now? Only private gifts under $100 are exempt. That’s it.

The change wasn’t about stopping fake drugs - it was about money. The U.S. government lost billions in lost duties on low-value commercial shipments. So they shut it down. The result? For most people buying medication overseas, the cost of shipping just went up 300-400%. Many shipments that were once affordable are now financially impossible.

What You Can Still Legally Import (And What You Can’t)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still allows personal importation of medication under very strict conditions:

  • You’re importing a 90-day supply or less for personal use
  • The drug is not available in the U.S. (or is significantly cheaper abroad)
  • The medication is not a controlled substance (like opioids or benzodiazepines)
  • You’re not reselling it
  • You have a valid prescription from a licensed U.S. doctor
But here’s the catch: even if the FDA says it’s okay, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) still enforces new duty rules. So even a legal import can be blocked if the paperwork is wrong.

The New Duty System: Method 1 vs. Method 2 (Until February 2026)

Starting August 29, 2025, all commercial shipments to the U.S. must pay duties. But there’s a temporary window - until February 28, 2026 - where two methods apply:

  • Method 1 (Ad Valorem): You pay a percentage of the item’s value based on its Harmonized System (HS) code. For most medications, that’s 1.5% to 5%. So a $100 prescription might cost $1.50-$5 in duty.
  • Method 2 (Flat Rate): A fixed fee based on the exporting country’s tariff rate: $80 for low-tariff countries, $160 for medium, $200 for high. This sounds bad - and it is - unless your medication is from a country with a low tariff rate and you’re shipping something expensive.
Example: You order $120 worth of metformin from India. Under Method 1: $120 × 2% = $2.40 duty. Under Method 2: $80 flat fee. Method 1 wins.

But if you order $300 of insulin from Germany (high tariff country)? Method 1: $300 × 6% = $18. Method 2: $200. Method 1 still wins. The flat fee only makes sense if you’re shipping high-value goods from low-tariff countries - which is rare for medications.

After February 28, 2026, only Method 1 remains. So learn it now.

How to Avoid Your Package Being Seized

The #1 reason packages get held? Missing or wrong documentation. Here’s what you need:

  • Commercial Invoice: Not a receipt. Not a gift label. A real invoice with:
    • Exact drug name (e.g., “Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg tablets”)
    • Quantity and strength
    • Manufacturer name
    • Value in USD
    • HS code (6-digit, mandatory since September 1, 2025)
  • Prescription Copy: A scanned copy from your U.S. doctor. No prescription? Your package is at risk.
  • Proof of Personal Use: A note stating “For personal use only - 90-day supply.”
Generic labels like “supplement,” “sample,” or “gift” will get your package flagged. CBP knows the difference.

Comparison of two shipping duty methods for medication, one affordable and one costly

Which Carriers Still Deliver Medications?

Most postal services - including USPS, Canada Post, and Royal Mail - have stopped accepting commercial medication shipments. Deutsche Post, DHL Parcel, and others announced they’d stop taking business parcels to the U.S. after August 22, 2025.

Your only reliable options now:

  • DHL Express - Handles customs clearance as part of service. Best for high-value or time-sensitive meds.
  • FedEx International - Strong customs brokerage. More expensive but reliable.
  • UPS Worldwide - Good for larger shipments. Charges handling fees.
Don’t use regular mail. Don’t use “cheap shipping.” If you do, your package will likely be returned, destroyed, or held for months while you try to prove it’s legal.

What to Do If Your Package Is Held

If CBP holds your medication:

  • Don’t panic. Don’t ignore the notice.
  • Log into the CBP online portal using the tracking number.
  • Upload your prescription, invoice, and personal use letter.
  • Pay any assessed duties via Pay.gov.
If you don’t respond within 30 days, your package will be destroyed. No warning. No second chance.

Alternatives to International Mail-Order

If the cost or risk feels too high, here are safer, legal options:

  • Canadian pharmacies with U.S. licenses: Some are authorized to ship directly to U.S. patients under the FDA’s Personal Importation Policy.
  • Pharmacy discount programs: GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver often offer prices lower than international mail-order - even after shipping.
  • Medication assistance programs: Many drug manufacturers offer free or low-cost meds to low-income patients.
  • Regional fulfillment hubs: Some companies now warehouse meds in Mexico or Canada and ship them as domestic U.S. orders, avoiding international customs entirely.
Checklist for safe international medication import with proper carrier and documentation

Red Flags That Mean You’re at Risk

Avoid these situations - they’re not worth the risk:

  • Pharmacies that say “no prescription needed”
  • Prices that seem too good to be true (e.g., $10 for a 30-day supply of brand-name insulin)
  • Shops that use vague product names like “generic diabetes pill” instead of the actual drug name
  • Shipping from countries known for counterfeit drugs (e.g., some vendors in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe)
  • Payments made via cryptocurrency or wire transfer only
If it sounds shady, it is. The FDA seized over 21,000 packages of fake or unapproved meds in 2024 alone.

Final Checklist Before You Order

Before you click “buy” on any international medication:

  1. Is the drug legally available in the U.S.? (Check FDA’s website)
  2. Do I have a valid U.S. prescription?
  3. Is the pharmacy licensed and verifiable? (Look for VIPPS certification)
  4. Will I receive a detailed commercial invoice with HS code?
  5. Am I using DHL, FedEx, or UPS - not regular mail?
  6. Do I know the exact duty rate for this HS code? (Use USITC’s online tool)
  7. Am I prepared to pay the duty and respond to CBP if needed?
If you answer yes to all, you’re doing it right. If even one is no - stop. Find another way.

What Happens If You Get Caught?

Most people just lose their package. But if CBP suspects you’re reselling, importing controlled substances, or repeatedly violating rules, you could face:

  • Seizure of future shipments
  • Fines up to $100,000 (for repeat offenders)
  • Legal action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
This isn’t a warning you can ignore. The penalties are real. The enforcement is getting stricter.

International mail-order for medication isn’t dead - but it’s no longer a loophole. It’s a regulated, high-stakes process. If you do it right, you can save money. If you do it wrong, you lose your meds, your money, and possibly your peace of mind.

Can I still buy medication from Canada or the UK legally?

Yes - but only if you follow the rules: you must have a U.S. prescription, the drug must be for personal use (90-day supply or less), and you must use a carrier like DHL or FedEx that handles customs clearance. You also need a proper commercial invoice with the correct HS code. Regular mail is no longer safe or allowed for commercial shipments.

What’s the HS code for common medications like metformin or lisinopril?

Most oral prescription medications fall under HS code 3004.90. Other common codes: 3004.20 for insulin, 3004.30 for antibiotics. Always verify using the U.S. International Trade Commission’s free online tariff tool. Using the wrong code can lead to duties being assessed at 300% higher rates.

Why did Deutsche Post stop shipping to the U.S.?

Deutsche Post and other postal operators stopped accepting business parcels to the U.S. because they couldn’t reliably handle the new duty collection system. The flat-rate Method 2 fees were too complex to implement, and the transition to Method 1 required costly customs brokerage systems they didn’t have. They chose to exit the market rather than risk fines or seized shipments.

Can I avoid paying duties by declaring my medication as a gift?

No. Declaring commercial medication as a gift is illegal. CBP uses advanced data matching to flag shipments with mismatched values, sender/recipient patterns, and product descriptions. If you’re caught, your package will be seized, and you may face penalties. Always declare the true value and purpose.

Are there any countries where it’s still easier to order meds by mail?

Not for the U.S. market. The new rules apply globally. However, countries like Australia, Canada, and the EU have their own restrictions - and some offer lower-cost domestic alternatives. For example, Canada’s pharmacies are now legally allowed to ship directly to U.S. patients under certain conditions. Always check local laws before ordering.

What if I need a medication that’s not available in the U.S.?

The FDA allows personal importation of unapproved drugs if they’re for serious conditions and no U.S. alternative exists. You must still have a prescription, limit the supply to 90 days, and use a reputable carrier with proper documentation. Contact the FDA’s Office of Compliance for guidance before ordering.