subject: Current US customs policy and practice around Canadian mail order drugs [print this page] Current US customs policy and practice around Canadian mail order drugs
It is the US Customs and Border Protection Agency's official position that in "virtually all instances, individual citizens are prohibited from importing prescription drugs into the US." However, in some cases personal shipments will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
A personal, 3-month max supply of a drug may be shipped from Canada to the US only if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
1. The drug is unapproved or a viable alternative is unavailable in the US as a treatment for a serious medical condition.
2. The drug has not been promoted or commercialized to persons in the US by the distributor
3. The product does not represent a reasonable risk.
4. The person importing the drug formally declares that is for personal use and provides their physician's contact information.
Many US citizens choose to purchase their prescriptions from an online Canadian pharmacy because there are many cheaper generic drugs available there. Of course any ordering online carries some risk, but do your research before choosing an online Canadian Pharmacy, and chances are you'll find it easier than visiting your local, brick-and-mortar pharmacy.
First, check to see if they are certified. Reputable Canadian pharmacies will display various certifications including a valid CIPA (Canadian International Pharmacy Association) Certification on their website. Visit ciparx.ca to find a list of Canadian certified and safe online pharmacies. After narrowing your list to a few potential pharmacies, look for online pharmacy reviews to see which get the best reviews.
Then, see if they are responsive to questions. Many online pharmacies have a brick-and-mortar pharmacy and real pharmacists operating them. They should display an email address or phone number connecting you directly to these pharmacists. Also see how long they have been in business for.
Finally, make sure they require a doctor's prescription for all prescription medications, which is the law. Make sure you have a valid prescription from your doctor before ordering any prescriptions from an Canadian Pharmacy online, as they will require a copy of it before filling your order.
Ordering from an online pharmacy can save money and it's convenient so why wouldn't you consider ordering from a Canadian online pharmacy?
Abram Gravin is specializing in writing articles on how to save on medication by buying from Canadian Pharmacy. For more information about the author and savings on Canadian drugs please visit http://www.canadapharmacyonline.com
