import from India / changes?

[hellohello]

I need some meds , not currently avail in thailand.  out of stock.  are there changes with importing for personal use with customs?  

[Yellowtail]

You mean is it still illegal? 

[hellohello]

I guess so 🙂

 

[hellohello]

it's not a controlled substance.  but thailand is out of stock until 2025..   I understand risks.. but someone said rules changed again in July 2024.   anyone know?

[Sheryl]

I am not aware of any rule change on import of pharmaceuticals. It was, and is, illegal without an FDA permit.  Nothwithstanding that,  small quantities sent by regular mail are usually allowed through.

 

There has been a recent change regarding customs duties on low value parcels of all types.  I haven't heard how thst is eorking in practice.

 

There was a board member some time back who actually managed to get FDA permission  to import a nedication not available im Thsilznd. You can read sbout the process here 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1178361-importing-personal-meds-via-dhl/

[John49]

I commented previously on how I successfully imported meds via EMS, but held up in customs (several times), after payment of a fee to customs.

That was customs at Prachuap.

 

No such luck today with customs in Laem Chabang.

After opening my package surrounded by friendly onlookers, I was directed to the offices of the FDA.

I was met by an angry official who immediately jumped up and shouted out it was against the law if an import licence was not available.

I tried to argue that it was a small amount for personal use (2 small bottles of tablets). This made him more angry.

Bottom line – no meds today.

 

Fortunately, I have a backup plan, same meds can be bought from a pharmacy outside Siriraj, but about twice the price of importing from India.

My first delivery made it through without customs intervention at Laem Chabang. This was my second delivery.

I will not import again if it potentially involves a visit to customs at Laem Chabang, friendly staff in the front office, but a nasty piece of work in the back office.

 

Obviously, some customs offices are flexible on small amounts for personal use like Prachuap, some are completely inflexible like Laem Chabang.