Personal-use exemption: what you can bring and how to avoid problems

Want to order medication from outside Canada or bring a prescription home after travel? The personal-use exemption lets individuals import medicines for their own treatment without commercial licensing, but there are limits and common pitfalls. Know the rules before you order or pack so your meds don’t get held up or thrown away.

What the exemption usually means

Most of the time, Canadian authorities allow up to a 90‑day supply of a medication for personal use. That applies when the drug isn’t available in Canada or you have a valid medical need. You’ll reduce risk if the medicine is in its original packaging, labeled with your name, and clearly matches a prescription or doctor’s letter.

Keep in mind: controlled substances, certain narcotics, and some specialized drugs often need extra permits or are more likely to be seized. If your medication falls into those categories, check with Health Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before you buy or travel.

Simple steps to stay safe

Follow these quick, practical steps every time:

• Check official sources first: read Health Canada and CBSA pages for current rules.
• Keep a valid prescription and a short doctor’s letter that explains the medical need and dosage.
• Keep meds in original packaging with labels. Loose pills in a bag look suspicious.
• Limit quantities to about a 90‑day supply. Larger amounts raise red flags.
• If ordering online, use a pharmacy that requires a prescription, shows licensing, and has clear contact info.
• For temperature-sensitive meds, ask the seller how they ship cold and get tracking and insurance.

When crossing a border by plane or car, always declare medications at customs. For shipped packages, choose tracked delivery and keep shipping records and receipts handy in case customs asks for proof.

If you’re unsure whether a product is allowed, call CBSA or consult Health Canada before you buy. That can save a lot of hassle and cost.

Our site has practical reads on related topics—how to pick a safe online pharmacy, comparisons of Canadian providers, and tips on buying specific drugs. If you’re ordering online, check posts about pharmacy safety and verified Canadian options so you can compare prices and legitimacy.

Finally, if a package is seized, don’t panic. Contact CBSA for details and keep your prescription and purchase records ready. If the medication is essential, ask your prescriber about a Canadian alternative or emergency supply from a local pharmacy while you sort things out.

Following a few simple rules—proper paperwork, reasonable quantities, trusted sellers—keeps your meds moving and your treatment on track.