Americans who get prescriptions from pharmacies abroad should check on their orders now. New customs procedures for international mail take effect on October 22, 2026, and they could change how personal-use medication shipments are handled.
Provisions affecting shipments that need information for other government agencies, including the FDA, reach their compliance date on October 22. Until now, many small prescription packages moved through the mail with little interference.
The outcome is not settled. The new CBP rule does not itself establish a ban on personal prescription drug importation. The FDA says personal importation is generally prohibited by law.
What patients should do: You may consider stocking up incase you need your medication for a longer period of time. Talk to your doctor about backup options. Don’t wait until you’re running low.
Will we stop shipping post 22 October 2026?: There is no guaranteed information available, the approach CBP will take post 22 October 2026 how personal medication importation rules will follow and more information will be available post 22, October 2026.