Import Restriction
Legal limitations on personal importation of pharmaceuticals from other countries. Rules vary by jurisdiction — the US FDA generally prohibits importing unapproved drugs, while the UK MHRA restricts importing prescription medicines without prescriptions. Relevant to research peptides sold internationally.
Technical Context
US: FDA's Personal Importation Policy (non-binding guidance, enforcement discretion) generally allows importation of personal-use quantities of unapproved drugs under certain conditions: the product is for a serious condition, no adequate domestic treatment is available, the product is not promoted commercially in the US, the quantity is ≤3 months' supply, and the consumer provides prescriber information. UK: Medicines Act 1968 and Human Medicines Regulations 2012 prohibit importing prescription medicines without a valid UK prescription. Importing controlled drugs requires a Home Office licence. EU: varies by member state — some allow personal importation of ≤3 months' supply with prescription from a recognised prescriber. Australia: Personal Importation Scheme allows import of ≤3 months' supply with valid prescription. These rules are particularly relevant to research peptides purchased from overseas suppliers.