Stories
US Customs Rule Threatens Affordable Canadian Prescription Drugs For Millions
- •A new US Customs and Border Protection rule suspending the de minimis exemption for low-value shipments threatens to severely restrict access to affordable Canadian medications for millions of Americans.
- •Starting October 22, medications mailed from outside the US will face indefinite suspension of easier customs clearance, requiring additional data and bond guarantees that could cause severe delivery delays and refusal.
- •Approximately 2.3 million Americans currently rely on foreign pharmacies to purchase cheaper prescription drugs, with advocates warning that costs will skyrocket for essential medications like Eliquis and Theophylline.
- •Lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties have expressed deep concern over the rule, demanding answers and requesting a pause to protect patients who depend on personal prescription imports for affordable care.
Key Questions Answered
Millions of Americans face rising costs because US Customs and Border Protection is indefinitely suspending the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed low-value shipments under $800 to enter easily. Under the new rule, medications mailed from outside the US will require extra data and a bond guarantee, leading to potential delays, refusals, and higher expenses.
The de minimis exemption, which allowed shipments valued under $800 to pass through customs easily, will be indefinitely suspended starting October 22. This change imposes additional fees, data requirements, and bond guarantees on low-value international mail shipments.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed concern and demanded answers from the administration regarding patient access to affordable care. Three Florida Republican representatives wrote a letter urging safeguards for constituents relying on imported drugs, while a group of over 70 Democrats urged officials to pause the rule unless personal-use medication access is assured.
