Prescription Drugs for Personal Use Reminder

Health Canada prohibits the importation of prescription drugs by courier when imported by Canadian residents for personal use. The importation of prescription drugs for human use is strictly regulated and is only permitted by certain entities. Under Section C.01.045 of the Food and Drug Regulations, the importation of Schedule F (prescription) drugs is restricted to a:

• drug manufacturer
• registered pharmacist
• wholesale druggist
• practitioner, or
• resident of a foreign country while a visitor in Canada.
  
  Please note that specific criteria must be met for visitors (i.e., non-residents) importing prescription drugs. Also, at Health Canada's discretion, exceptions may be made for Canadian residents returning from abroad who are on a course of treatment and carry the prescription drugs with them upon re-entry into Canada.

Visitors (Non-residents)

Visitors who stay more than three months in Canada may import an additional 90-day supply of their prescription medicine (or as directed on the label/prescription of the drugs) by mail or courier, every three months.

Proof of Visitor Status

When importing prescription drugs, visitors may be asked to provide evidence of their visitor status. This would include, but is not limited to, the following documents:

• A copy of the visitor’s passport
• A student or work visa
• A letter from visitor’s place of employment or university

Please note:

• Health Canada encourages visitors to include a copy of the above documentation with the shipment and to clearly indicate on the outside of the package (e.g., shipping label/air waybill) that it is destined to a visitor in Canada. In addition, FedEx recommends that visitors include a copy of their doctor’s note/official prescription with the shipping documentation.

Packaging Requirements

The prescription drugs must either:

• be in the package dispensed by the origin hospital/pharmacy or in the original retail package
• have the original drug label affixed (clearly stating what the drug name and what it contains)

For more information, please visit the Health Canada website, and refer to the Guidance Document on the Import Requirements for Health Products under Food and Drugs Act and its Regulations (GUI-0116).