US to End Personal Medication Import Loophole as New Customs Rule Takes Effect

A new regulation will begin next month that ends the longstanding loophole allowing Americans to import prescription drugs by mail. The rule, reported by the Wall Street Journal, requires any medication shipped from abroad to undergo a customs clearance process.

The change means that individuals can no longer bypass domestic channels to obtain medicines from overseas suppliers. All foreign-origin shipments will be subject to inspection and approval before they can be delivered.

Patients who have relied on personal imports may need to find alternative sources within the United States, potentially affecting access and cost of certain treatments.