News

Information and Blog

【Complete Guide to Shipping】Can Medications Be Sent Overseas? Can Dietary Supplements Be Sent Overseas?

Interested in knowing how to mail medications and dietary supplements overseas? In this article, we will provide answers to these questions. Gain an understanding of the restrictions on medications and dietary supplements in various countries and learn the techniques for mailing medications, making your mailing process simpler, safer, and more convenient.

In today's rapidly evolving globalized era, people often need to mail medications and dietary supplements overseas to care for the health of loved ones far away or to facilitate their own lives abroad. However, different countries have varying regulations on medications and dietary supplements, which often leave individuals confused and faced with challenges when mailing these items. This article will provide you with detailed information on how to mail medications and dietary supplements overseas, along with practical tips for mailing medications, ensuring a smooth and convenient mailing experience.

 

I. Common Issues When Mailing Medications

1. Legal and Regulatory Restrictions

Different countries have different legal and regulatory requirements for importing medications and health products. Some countries have strict limitations on specific medication ingredients and may even prohibit the importation of certain medications. Senders need to be aware of the relevant regulations in the destination country, ensuring that the medications being sent comply with local requirements and avoiding potential legal risks.

2. Logistics and Transportation Arrangements

Medications and dietary supplements often require special transportation and storage conditions to ensure their quality and effectiveness. This may include cold chain transportation, special packaging, and protective measures. Senders need to choose a reliable international courier service provider that possesses appropriate logistics facilities and expertise to ensure the safety and integrity of medications during transportation.

3. Customs and Clearance Procedures

Medications and dietary supplements often need to go through customs and clearance procedures. Mailing medications may involve document declarations, tax payments, and related approval processes. Customs procedures and requirements vary across different countries, which can lead to time delays and additional costs. Senders need to ensure they provide accurate documents and information to facilitate smooth customs inspections and avoid unnecessary delays and issues.

4. Liability and Insurance Issues

Due to the special nature and value of medications, loss, damage, or delays during transportation can have serious consequences. Senders need to consider purchasing appropriate insurance to protect the value of their goods and ensure that the medication mailing service provider assumes the corresponding responsibility.

 

II. Common Country Restrictions on Importing Vitamins and Dietary Supplements

1. United States (US)

Before mailing medications to the US, you need to log into the website of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within at least four hours to complete a Prior Notice and provide detailed information about the products. Additionally, you need to ensure that your products comply with the FDA's requirements, including the exclusion of prohibited ingredients and compliance with labeling and packaging requirements.

2. Australia (AU)

Australia has certain restrictions on mailing dietary supplements. You need to ensure that your products fall within the scope of Australian food standards regulations and comply with relevant labeling and packaging requirements. Additionally, certain ingredients may be prohibited or restricted, so it's important to carefully check the ingredient list of your products before mailing.

3. Canada (CA)

When sending dietary supplements to Canada, it's important to be aware of the Canadian Food Standards Regulations. You need to ensure that your products fall within the food categories in Canada and comply with labeling and packaging requirements. Additionally, certain ingredients may be prohibited or restricted, so it's crucial to carefully check the relevant regulations before mailing.

4. European Union (EU) Countries

The EU has stricter regulations on dietary supplements and requires compliance with EU food safety regulations. Your products need to meet the EU's labeling and packaging requirements and comply with relevant food safety standards. Before mailing medications, ensure that your products have undergone the necessary EU assessments and certifications.

 

III. Methods for Mailing Medications

1. Check International Courier Prohibited Items

Check the prohibited items list for the destination country to determine if medications can be sent there. Generally, products containing medicinal ingredients are classified as fully controlled prohibited items and are not accepted for mailing by international courier companies. This includes eye drops, traditional Chinese medicine, anti-inflammatory creams, pain relief patches, and similar medications, which cannot be sent.

2. Understand Restrictions and Requirements in the Destination Country

Different countries have various restrictions and requirements for importing medications and health products. Before mailing medications, make sure you are familiar with the relevant laws and regulations of the destination country. For example, some countries may require advance declaration of medications or health products, filling out specific forms, and complying with particular declaration procedures.

3. Choose a Reliable International Courier Service
Choosing a reliable international courier service provider is crucial to ensure the safe delivery of your medications. Make sure they have extensive experience in international shipping and can handle the necessary documents and procedures for medication mailing. You can refer to local courier companies in the destination country or use internationally renowned logistics service providers such as DealerSend.

4. Prepare Relevant Documents and Information

Before mailing medications, you need to prepare the necessary documents and information. This may include prescriptions or permits for the medications, a detailed list of the medications, declaration forms, and any other required documents. Ensure that you fill out all the necessary information and accurately describe the nature and purpose of the medications.

5. Comply with Packaging and Labeling Requirements

Proper packaging and labeling are crucial when mailing medications. Use suitable packaging materials to ensure the medications are not damaged during transportation. Label the package with the name of the medication, its purpose, and any relevant warnings. Comply with the packaging and labeling requirements of the international courier company to ensure compliance with transportation standards.

6. Tracking and Insurance

After mailing the medications, it is important to track the status of your package. Make sure you can track the location and delivery progress of the package at any time. Additionally, consider purchasing appropriate transportation insurance to protect the medications during transit.


To help you avoid legal violations and ensure smooth delivery of packages, DealerSend has a professional customer service team that provides fast and reliable service, offering support and resolving shipping-related issues. They ensure you receive timely assistance and guidance throughout the entire shipping process. Additionally, DealerSend offers competitive shipping rates, ensuring you have the most cost-effective options.


To learn more about DealerSend's logistics services for shipping medications, please feel free to contact our logistics consultants via WhatsApp: https://shorturl.at/UAwsC 

Latest Post
【Sending Guide】2025 Hong Kong to Israel Delivery Quick Guide: International Express Service, Precautions, and Regulations on Prohibited Items.
2025.05.09
【Shipping Guide】Sending from Hong Kong to Brazil: A Comprehensive Overview of the Fastest, Most Affordable International Courier Options, Important Considerations, Import Taxes, and Regulations on Prohibited Items.
2025.03.28
【Shipping Guide】Sending from Hong Kong to Argentina: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fastest and Most Cost-Effective International Courier Options, Considerations, Import Duties, and Regulations on Prohibited Items.
2025.03.28
【E-commerce Logistics Information】What is an HS Code? What is the purpose of an HS Code? When do we need an HS Code? How important is the HS Code?
2025.03.28
Contact Us
Looking for the Best
Logistics Transport
Services