OTC medicines and supplements can usually be shipped — prescription drugs and controlled substances require permits and careful destination research.
Pharmaceutical shipping rules are among the most complex in international trade. They are determined by three overlapping frameworks: (1) the carrier's own acceptance policies, (2) the origin country's export regulations, and (3) the destination country's import rules for medicines. Within the EU, prescription medicines can be sent between individuals for personal use in small quantities. For non-EU destinations, the rules vary dramatically: some countries allow personal importation of a supply of prescription medicine with a doctor's letter; others require an import licence; and some (particularly for controlled substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, or ADHD medications) maintain strict prohibition. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary supplements are generally easier to ship but still subject to customs declaration and country-specific rules.
| Carrier | Rule / Status |
|---|---|
| DHL Express | OTC medicines and supplements: accepted with customs declaration. Prescription medicines: accepted for personal use quantities with prescription documentation. Controlled substances: not accepted without specific permits — varies by route. |
| FedEx | Non-prescription medicines: accepted. Prescription drugs: accepted at shipper's risk with proper documentation. Controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics): not accepted on most routes. |
| UPS | OTC medicines: accepted. Prescription medicines: accepted for personal use with appropriate documentation. Controlled drugs: require specific UPS Healthcare authorisation. |
| DPD | Non-prescription health products and supplements: accepted within EU. Prescription medicines: route and destination dependent. Not available for all international destinations. |
| GLS | Dietary supplements and OTC products: accepted. Prescription medicines: check per route. Controlled substances: generally not accepted. |
Rules change frequently. Always verify at carrier websites before booking.
Research the destination country's rules for the specific medicine. INFARMED (Portugal) and the destination country's medicines regulatory authority publish import rules. For the USA, the FDA has a personal importation policy for personal-use quantities.
For prescription medicines, include a copy of the valid prescription, a letter from the prescribing doctor explaining the medical need, and ensure the medicine is in original sealed manufacturer packaging.
Declare accurately on the customs form: describe as 'prescription medicine, personal use, [name of medicine], [quantity]' with the correct value. Do not describe medicines vaguely as 'health products'.
Pack medicines securely: original box inside a zip-lock bag inside a padded box. For temperature-sensitive medicines, use insulated cool packs — but note that couriers do not guarantee temperature and most do not accept medicines requiring strict cold chain.
Keep the total quantity within personal use limits — typically 90 days' supply for prescription medicines. Larger quantities trigger commercial import regulations.
For controlled substances, contact the destination country's competent authority (e.g. DEA in USA, EMCDDA in EU) for import permit requirements before attempting shipment.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several Middle Eastern countries prohibit specific medicines that are OTC in Portugal — codeine, tramadol, and some sleeping pills. Always check before shipping to these destinations.
Australia requires Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval for most prescription medicines. Personal imports are limited to 3 months' supply with a valid prescription.
If you are travelling and need to carry prescription medicines (not ship), carry the original prescription and a translated letter from your doctor — separate from courier shipping considerations.
Temperature-sensitive biologics (insulin, some vaccines) cannot be reliably shipped via standard courier. Use specialist pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics companies.
Some dietary supplements containing ingredients that are scheduled or controlled in the destination country may be seized — melatonin, kava, kratom, and high-dose CBD products are restricted in various countries.
Yes, for personal use quantities (typically up to 90 days' supply) to most EU and non-EU countries, including a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter. The medicine must be in original packaging, correctly declared on the customs form, and must not be a controlled substance unless the destination country specifically permits import with documentation.
CBD rules vary significantly by country. Within the EU, CBD products with less than 0.2% THC from hemp are generally legal and can be shipped. To the UK (up to 0.2% THC), USA (0.3% THC limit, state rules vary), and non-EU countries, rules differ widely — some countries classify all cannabinoids as controlled substances. Always verify destination rules before shipping.
If medicines are seized at customs, they are typically destroyed (controlled substances) or returned to the sender (other medicines, at the sender's cost). You may receive a customs notice. In rare cases involving suspected trafficking, legal proceedings can follow. Always ensure documentation is correct and quantities are within personal use limits.
Yes, factory-sealed dietary supplements, vitamins and protein powders can be shipped internationally by all major couriers to most destinations. Declare them accurately on the customs form. Some destination countries regulate specific supplements as medicines and may require import approval — Australia and Canada are examples of countries with detailed supplement import rules.
Standard courier services (DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD, GLS) do not provide refrigerated transport and cannot guarantee temperature ranges. Insulin and biological medicines requiring 2–8°C cold chain must be shipped via specialist pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics providers who operate temperature-monitored vehicles and qualified packaging systems (validated shippers).
Compare DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS rates from Portugal — instant quote, no hidden fees.
Get a Free Quote →