The U.S. government is introducing significant changes to the way international mail shipments are processed when they enter the United States. Key changes to the postal-entry process are scheduled to take effect on October 22, 2026.

These changes may have a significant impact on international shipments containing prescription medicines and could result in additional customs requirements, longer clearance times, increased scrutiny, delays, or refusal of individual shipments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published new requirements for the processing of international postal shipments, including additional shipment information and more detailed customs classification requirements.

Under the new postal-entry process, international mail shipments will be subject to more detailed customs-entry requirements. CBP will require additional information relating to the shipment, including applicable HTSUS classifications, merchandise descriptions and other information necessary to determine duties and admissibility.

Prescription medicines entering the United States may also be reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA states that imported medicines must comply with applicable U.S. requirements and that shipments may be detained or refused when the agency determines that they do not meet those requirements.

The practical effect is that international prescription-medicine shipments may face substantially greater customs and regulatory scrutiny after October 22, 2026.

For patients who have relied on international pharmacies for access to prescription medicines, the new procedures may mean:

• Longer customs-clearance times
• Additional customs or regulatory review
• Additional information being requested for individual shipments
• Possible delays in delivery
• Possible refusal or return of a shipment
• Additional duties, taxes or other applicable charges

FDA currently recognizes circumstances in which personal importation may be considered, but it also states that personal importation of unapproved medicines is generally not permitted and that there is no automatic right or expectation that such medicines will be admitted.

If you currently depend on an international pharmacy for your medication, we strongly recommend planning your upcoming refills well in advance.

Please do not wait until your existing medication supply is nearly exhausted. Your prescription may need to be reviewed and dispensed before shipment, and the package may require additional time for transportation and U.S. customs processing.

If you have an upcoming refill due, consider placing your order early enough to allow additional time for possible customs delays.

Please ensure that your prescription is valid and that all information provided for your order is complete and accurate.

We understand how important reliable access to prescription medication is to our customers.

Our team is closely monitoring the implementation of the new U.S. postal-entry requirements and will continue to assess how these changes affect international prescription shipments.

If you have an upcoming prescription refill, we encourage you to plan ahead rather than waiting until the last minute.

Millions of Americans Could Be Affected — Make Your Voice Heard

The upcoming changes to the U.S. postal-entry process could have a significant impact on Americans who rely on international pharmacies for access to more affordable prescription medicines.

If you believe Americans should continue to have access to safe and affordable prescription medications through personal importation, you can make your voice heard.

The Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) is a U.S.-based nonprofit patient advocacy organization working to preserve access to personal prescription importation. CPPI is currently encouraging patients and supporters to contact their members of Congress and other policymakers regarding the upcoming changes The Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI)

If access to affordable prescription medication is important to you or your family, consider:

• Contacting your U.S. Representative and Senators.
• Sharing your personal experience with prescription medication costs and international access.
• Supporting efforts to preserve access to affordable prescription medicines.
• Joining CPPI to receive updates and information about opportunities to participate in its advocacy efforts.

Joining CPPI is free, and membership provides access to its updates and information about ongoing advocacy activities.

Your experience matters. Your voice matters.

If you would like to learn more about the campaign or participate in its advocacy efforts, you can join CPPI at:

Join the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation