custom declaration

[JGB]

In Mexico when one purchases anti biotics, BP medicine or drugs like Vicodin does one have to declare at customs..what is the rule here?

John

[5waldos]

In Mexico when one purchases anti biotics, BP medicine or drugs like Vicodin does one have to declare at customs..what is the rule here?

John

 

Well- it is probably illegal to bring Vicodin back to the states and without a presription, antibiotics also. So, you figure out what you want to do. Didn't Rush Limbaugh get in big time trouble for bringing back "the little blue pill" (ok, lots of them) from someplace in Mexico a few years back?

[sparks1093]

Here's what the CBP website says:

Medication

Rule of thumb: When you go abroad, take the medicines you will need, no more, no less. Narcotics and certain other drugs with a high potential for abuse - Rohypnol, GHB and Fen-Phen, to name a few - may not be brought into the United States, and there are severe penalties for trying to do so. If you need medicines that contain potentially addictive drugs or narcotics (e.g., some cough medicines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants or stimulants), do the following:

 

 

• Declare all drugs, medicinals, and similar products to the appropriate CBP official;
  
• Carry such substances in their original containers;
  
• Carry only the quantity of such substances that a person with that condition (e.g., chronic pain) would normally carry for his/her personal use; and
  
• Carry a prescription or written statement from your physician that the substances are being used under a doctor's supervision and that they are necessary for your physical well being while traveling.
  

 

U.S. residents entering the United States at international land borders who are carrying a validly obtained controlled substance (other than narcotics such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or LSD), are subject to certain additional requirements. If a U.S. resident wants to bring in a controlled substance (other than narcotics such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or LSD) but does not have a prescription for the substance issued by a U.S.-licensed practitioner (e.g., physician, dentist, etc.) who is registered with, and authorized by, the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe the medication, the individual may not import more than 50 dosage units of the medication into the United States. If the U.S. resident has a prescription for the controlled substance issued by a DEA registrant, more than 50 dosage units may be imported by that person, provided all other legal requirements are met.

 

Please note that only medications that can be legally prescribed in the United States may be imported for personal use. Be aware that possession of certain substances may also violate state laws. As a general rule, the FDA does not allow the importation of prescription drugs that were purchased outside the United States. Please see their Web site for information about the enforcement policy for personal use quantities.

 

Warning: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits the importation, by mail or in person, of fraudulent prescription and nonprescription drugs and medical devices. These include unorthodox “cures” for such medical conditions as cancer, AIDS, arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Although such drugs or devices may be legal elsewhere, if the FDA has not approved them for use in the United States, they may not legally enter the country and will be confiscated, even if they were obtained under a foreign physician’s prescription.

Additional information about traveling with and importing medication can be found at the FDA's Drugs page. ( Drugs )

 

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml#Medication

[hftmrock]

it is illegal to purchase medications (even with a perscription) from Mexico.

 

I would recommend that you dont do it. If you do.. they will certainly confiscate it if you put it on the declaration. If you dont put it on the declaration and you have it, I am not sure how much trouble you will get into because it will appear you are smuggling it into the country

 

EDIT - after reading the above post.. there may be some medications that are legal but I certainly would not chance it.

[hftmrock]

In doing a little research I found that in order to buy Vicodin (legally) you need a valid perscription from a Mexican physician. Were you planning on getting a perscription? If so, then the Mexican doctor could provide you with the right laws for customs. If you are not getting it through a Mexican Physician, I would not chance it.

[gottacruise@juno.com]

I'm wondering why snowbirds in Arizona go to Mexico in hoards and buy medications, go through customs on their return to U.S., declare them and have no problem?

[JGB]

thank you to all ...I will be playing it safe i.e. no purchases

John