Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V)?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in 21 CFR 1301.26 -- Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use.. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United States compare with other countries on Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V), 19 limit it and 1 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) into United States only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 50 piece

What you need to know

50 piece
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

21 CFR 1301.26 -- Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Office of the Federal Register (eCFR)
21 CFR 1301.26 - Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Department of Justice

Questions about Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) in United States

How many Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) can I bring into United States?: United States allows 50 Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) at United States customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 50 Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V)?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in 21 CFR 1301.26 -- Exemptions from import or export requirements for personal medical use.. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United States compare with other countries on Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V), 19 limit it and 1 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances Narcotic and psychotropic medicines