Can You Mail Prescription Drugs Internationally?

Shipping prescription drugs and medicine internationally: Europe, UK and overseas

Are you living abroad and are not sure if you can mail prescription drugs or other types of pharmaceutical products within Europe? Keep reading and learn more about regulations on shipping prescription drugs and medicines via courier. Get tips on how to safely ship over-the-counter drugs domestically or internationally.

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Things to know before shipping

How to pack and ship

Frequently asked questions

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Prescriptions drugs and over-the-counter medicines are usually restricted or prohibited items for shipping. Please note that insurance may not apply.

BEFORE SHIPPING

Shipping prescription drugs internationally: sending medicine in Europe, the UK and overseas

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.
In most cases, medicines are temperature-sensitive items and need special conditions of transport, so please pay attention to the shipping conditions of the service you book.
Check if the drugs you want to send or the substances they are based on are approved in the delivery country.

HOW TO SHIP

Shipping prescription drugs and medicine with courier services

Transport solutions to consider depending on the size and time-sensitivity of your shipment:

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*Please bear in mind that some courier companies may include prescription drugs and medications in their list of prohibited items. For any clarifications, please contact our team of specialists via chat.

HOW TO PACK

Packing guide for shipping prescription drugs

How to ship pills or an EpiPen abroad? If you decide to ship prescription drugs to someone for personal use, remember to pack them properly in order to avoid damage.

Start by wrapping them in bubble wrap. Cover the whole original package and secure it with tape. You can also place the box in a plastic or ziplock bag.
Put the wrapped items in a cardboard 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.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

FAQs on shipping prescription drugs in the EU, UK and overseas

Can I ship prescription drugs with every courier company?

It is important to note that not all courier companies will ship prescription drugs internationally. For example, DHL, FedEx, TNT and UPS will not ship packages that have prescription drugs within the content. Each courier has specific rules and requirements for different shipments, so we recommend checking this further with the designated courier for your route. Alternatively, you can reach us by chat, phone or email before shipping to discuss your options further.

Can you ship prescription drugs in the EU and internationally via courier?

There may be some restrictions regarding shipping prescription drugs in certain countries, particularly if they contain toxic or flammable substances.

When sending prescription medication overseas, shippers must know the characteristics of the items they are sending and pack them correctly. Medicines are controlled substances and are subject to strict regulations.

We recommend checking the local rules regarding your exact case both in the pick-up and the destination countries. Bear in mind that as a sender, you are responsible for any extra costs incurred due to shipping medication internationally.

Can you post medicine to the UK from overseas?

Since Brexit came into effect in January 2021, all mail and shipments sent to and from the UK must go through the customs clearance process. Therefore, before posting any medicine to the UK from overseas, we recommend checking the updated regulations of each country regarding the transport of specific prescription drugs. If you need any assistance in placing your order, send us a message via chat or email to discuss your options with one of our specialists.

Can I ship medicines via courier in the US?

In the US, only FDA-approved vendors and distributors with valid licenses can ship and transport prescription drugs. In general, prescription drugs made and exported from the USA can only be returned to the USA manufacturer. In some cases, a small number of prescription drugs can be imported to the USA if they comply with FDA regulations.

Authorised persons, such as doctors, can ship prescription drugs, and some patients can choose to have their prescribed medicines shipped by courier if they provide all required documentation for their shipment in advance. Please check the regulations for every state and be aware that certain medicines may be restricted or prohibited if they contain controlled substances.

Can I ship over-the-counter medicine via courier?

Shipping over-the-counter medicine is not illegal, so many people decide to ship this type of pills and medicines over the post every day. However, when shipping anything, you need to consider not only the local laws but also the rules of the carrier. Due to their delicate nature, many couriers decide to include over-the-counter medicine in the list of restricted items to ship, even if it is legal to do so. We recommend carefully checking the courier regulations before shipping any item.

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. Simple vans or trucks used for transporting standard packages are not equipped for items that need special conditions, such as a temperature-controlled environment. Check if the medicines need some special transport conditions before shipping.

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Take into consideration these guidelines when shipping prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicine. 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 transport of your shipment.

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