Import License

[Zwentendorf]

If I've understood correctly, one is allowed to bring a one month's supply of prescription meds to LOS? There seems to be a consensus, that bringing enough for three months is still OK. I'm planning to stay for a longer period, and was wondering if anyone on the forum had applied for an import license before? I couldn't find anything related to this on gov / consulate websites.

I know for a fact that I can't purchase these OTC, and basically would either need to keep flying back for them, or get a local prescription.

Thanks!

[Sheryl]

You are very unlikely to be able to get an import license unless you have a work permit and a licensed pharmacy or other business.

Law is, 30 days supply. The basic idea behind the law is to prevent people from bringing in drugs for resale and in most cases I don't think customs bothers to count the number of pills if the quantity looks small enough to be for personal consumption and is clearly labelled with a doctor's prescription. However technically you could have a problem with bringing in more than 30 days supply.

If the medication in question is a narcotic, stimulent, sleeping pill etc (drugs with street value/abuse potential) you shoudl also have with you a doctor's letter. Which in any case may be wise to simplify matters if you need to get a further supply while in country. A short, signed medical summary describing the condition for which the meds have been prescribed and the recommended dosage will suffice.

[Zwentendorf]

You are very unlikely to be able to get an import license unless you have a work permit and a licensed pharmacy or other business.

Law is, 30 days supply. The basic idea behind the law is to prevent people from bringing in drugs for resale and in most cases I don't think customs bothers to count the number of pills if the quantity looks small enough to be for personal consumption and is clearly labelled with a doctor's prescription. However technically you could have a problem with bringing in more than 30 days supply.

Thank you Sheryl!

So, the import license is indeed for commercial importing only...

I dare not bring more than I'm allowed, as it's very easy to get an accurate "pill count" - pharmacies here don't re-pack meds, and just sell the original boxes with the amount marked clearly on top. The Rx-label is affixed to the box.

If the medication in question is a narcotic, stimulent, sleeping pill etc (drugs with street value/abuse potential) you shoudl also have with you a doctor's letter. Which in any case may be wise to simplify matters if you need to get a further supply while in country. A short, signed medical summary describing the condition for which the meds have been prescribed and the recommended dosage will suffice.

My doctor actually mentioned about the need for additional documentation when traveling to certain countries, and used Thailand as an example. The amount question didn't come up back then. She seems to have a lot of international contacts, and perhaps will know a colleague in LOS.

Some people seem to think that flying back regularly wouldn't be a bad idea either.