For some U.S. residents, ordering prescription medications from Canadian pharmacies is primarily a matter of affordability. Prescription drug prices in the United States can be substantially higher than those in Canada, prompting patients to explore options across the border, particularly for medications they need to take regularly to manage chronic conditions. People without comprehensive insurance coverage, those facing high deductibles or copayments and patients whose prescriptions are not fully covered by their plans are especially motivated to seek lower-cost alternatives.
However, a customs change scheduled to go into effect on Oct. 22 makes this cost-cutting option significantly more difficult.
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“Right now, a prescription mailed from Canada usually gets through customs with almost no paperwork,” says Kyle Peacock, Principal at Peacock Tariff Consulting. “Starting Oct. 22, that shortcut ends for medications sent by mail. Each package will need a proper customs filing, done by the buyer or a licensed customs broker. In short, a small refill now needs the same kind of import paperwork as a business shipment.”
Under the new rule, packages containing items that require review by another government agency, such as the FDA, may be subject to different entry requirements. That could include food, drugs, cosmetics and other products that require government inspection or oversight during shipping.
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Paul Pruitt, co-founder of SHARx, a procurement management solution for high-cost prescription drugs, doesn’t think that medications were the intended target of the new policy, but they are certainly affected.
“The new process is far more burdensome and difficult,” Pruitt says. “While we don’t believe the FDA intends to change its procedures for clearing these packages, the added formality is the real issue. The paperwork is complicated. It’s not impossible, but for most people, it might as well be. They simply won’t know how to navigate the process.”
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Who Will Be Affected Most By The New Customs Policy?
Pruitt believes that while Canadian pharmacies offering prescription-by-mail services will be affected, the greater impact will fall on U.S. consumers.
“Millions of Americans rely on Canada and other countries for more affordable access to medications, including pet medications,” he says. “People may turn to Canadian pharmacies for something as simple as a dog’s diabetes medication because the costs are significantly lower. From pet medications to human prescriptions, many people depend on more affordable access to inhalers, diabetes medications and heart medications that might cost $500 to $1,000 in the United States but a third of that price internationally.”
What to Do If You Think Your Prescription Deliveries May Be Interrupted
Pharmacies are advising customers to stock up on medications before the changes take effect, however this isn’t necessarily a practical solution for many customers. First of all, medications have expiration dates and can lose their potency over time. On top of that, doses and prescriptions can change.
Peacock suggests asking your pharmacy exactly how they’ll ship after Oct. 22, and get in touch with your doctor about a short backup supply from a U.S. pharmacy.
“Never stop a medication like a blood thinner because a package is late,” Peacock warns. “Keep your prescription and tracking information in case your package is held.
Pruitt is encouraging people to express their concerns to their members of Congress.
“Access to medications is important, and this requirement could be counterproductive to that goal,” he says. “Perhaps the administration will find a way to delay the requirement for medications or continue allowing these shipments, but some action needs to be taken.”
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