Shipping prescription drugs in Europe and internationally
Are you living abroad and are not sure if you can ship prescription drugs or other types of pharmaceutical products in Europe? Keep reading and learn more about regulations on shipping prescription drugs and medicines via courier and find out our tips on how to safely ship over-the-counter drugs domestically or internationally.
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HOW YOU CAN SHIP
What services can you use to ship prescription drugs?
Depending on the size and time-sensitivity of your shipment, Eurosender offers several options to choose from.
Shipping prescription drugs internationally
When ordering the shipping of pills and medicines or an EpiPen abroad via courier services, there is some information that you may have to provide us with:
- The type of drugs and the amount you want to send.
- Specify if they require a prescription and if they contain substances that cause addiction.
- Check if the drugs you want to send or the substances they are based on are approved in the country of delivery.
How to properly pack prescription drugs for shipping
How to ship pills or an EpiPen abroad? If you decided to ship prescription drugs to someone for personal use, remember to pack them properly in order to avoid damages.
- Start by wrapping them in bubble wrap. Cover the whole original package and secure the wrap with tape. You can also place the box in a plastic or ziplock bag.
- Put the wrapped items in the box. Place the medication in the box and surround it with cushioning materials or other items that you wish to ship (such as clothes).
- Seal the box and label it, if needed.
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FAQs on shipping drugs
Can you ship prescription drugs in the EU and internationally via courier?
It is not legal for private persons to mail prescription drugs via courier. Still, many people decide to ship or have delivered drugs and medicines from other countries on a daily basis. Normally, these are shipments of personal goods where the sender adds a medicine asked by the receiver in the package.
When sending pharmaceutical products with a courier company, be aware that it is solely the shipper’s responsibility in case of any damage or extra costs that may occur.
Can I ship medicines via courier in the US?
In the US, only FDA approved vendors and distributors with a valid license can ship and transport prescription drugs. Authorised persons, like doctors, can ship prescription drugs and some patients can choose to have their prescribed medicines shipped by courier. However, please check the regulations for every state and be aware that certain products can be subjected to special limitations.
Can I ship over-the-counter medicine via courier?
Shipping over the counter medicines by mail or courier is not illegal and, therefore, many people decide to ship this type of pills and medicines over the post every day.
However, due to their delicate nature, many couriers decide to include these goods in the list of restricted items to ship.
Can I travel abroad carrying prescription medicine?
You can travel with prescription drugs within the EU if you have a prescription signed by a doctor from an EU country. If the drug is not available in the country you are travelling to, you can ask your doctor for a cross-border prescription.
How to safely protect prescription drugs for transport?
When preparing pills and other prescription drugs for transport, do it in an environment protected from bacteria. Your package will be transported together with other parcels, containing all sorts of goods. And, simple vans or truck used for transporting standard packages are not equipped for items that need special conditions. Check if the medicines need some special transport conditions before shipping.
Take into consideration these guidelines when shipping prescription drugs. Nevertheless, please consider that following them does not guarantee that the courier company will transport your package without restriction. In case you decide to ship medicines, Eurosender will not be held responsible for any damages caused by the transportation of your shipment.