Do I have to declare over-the-counter painkillers when going to the USA?
I am travelling to the US next week and taking some over-the-counter painkillers with me. These are a combined tablet that contains paracetamol and Ibuprofen together.
Do I need to declare these?
Best Answer
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items doesn't list those substances as prohibited or restricted. Furthermore it would depend if there are additional substances in that medication, which would be "potentially addictive" (although i doubt that for OTC medication). On the other hand, https://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm194904.htm specifies more strict rules for importing medications. Honestly, i would look if your medication would be available in the US and then just buy it there. If you really need to bring it, then i would follow the suggestions on both sites to have a doctors note, as well as declare it at immigration, just to be safe.
Pictures about "Do I have to declare over-the-counter painkillers when going to the USA?"
Can I take painkillers into USA?
For travellers carrying medicines into the USA which contain a controlled drug, a note from a doctor or specialist is not enough, and an official medicine license must be applied for. This can, for example, concern heavy painkillers, Ritalin, cannabis, sedatives and tranquilizers.Can I bring over the counter medicine to USA?
So check with each agency before you plan to travel with medications into the country. In general, you should have with you a valid prescription or doctor's note\u2014written in English\u2014to bring medication to the U.S. The medication should be in its original container with the doctor's instructions printed on the bottle.Can I carry over the counter medicines on international flights?
I've taken both prescription and over the counter medicines in hand luggage and never been asked about them. Just keep them in original packaging. Provided the medication is in tablet form then there is no restriction, take what you like.Do I have to declare medication at Customs?
Declare all drugs, medicinal, and similar products to the appropriate CBP official; Carry such substances in their original containers; Carry only the quantity of such substances that a person with that condition (e.g., chronic pain) would normally carry for his/her personal use; and.Over-the-counter painkillers: What to take when
More answers regarding do I have to declare over-the-counter painkillers when going to the USA?
Answer 2
You should absolutely declare them. It doesn't look like you need to, but it's always safest if you do. The worst case scenario with these pills is that they might be seized by Customs, but if that happens, you won't be in any trouble. On the other hand, if you don't declare them and they're discovered, they'll be seized and you could be refused admittance into the US.
The good rule of thumb is always to declare if in doubt.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Brett Jordan, Diego Rodriguez, Pavel Danilyuk, Pixabay