What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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.

Can I post or ship medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

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. Drug Enforcement Administration

Questions about Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances in United States

Do I have to declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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.
Can I post or ship medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 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 substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Narcotic and psychotropic medicines