Following further discussions with Zonos and a more detailed review of the U.S. import requirements taking effect on 22 October 2026, we want to provide our customers with an updated and transparent explanation of what these changes may mean.
Our previous update correctly explained that the October 22 change is not, by itself, a new blanket FDA ban on all international medicine shipments. However, following further discussions with Zonos, we now have a better understanding of how the new customs process may affect medicines entering the United States.
WHAT IS CHANGING?
From October 22, international postal shipments entering the United States will be processed through a more detailed electronic customs entry system.
For products regulated by U.S. government agencies, including medicines regulated by the FDA, more detailed product and regulatory information may be available to the relevant U.S. authorities as part of the import process.
This means that some medicine shipments may be subject to additional FDA review.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO PREPARE?
Over recent months, we have been working closely with Zonos and our shipping partners to prepare for these requirements.
This work has included improving product information, tariff classifications and other customs and regulatory data required for international shipments.
We will continue to provide complete and accurate information for our shipments and comply with the applicable customs and postal requirements.
However, it is important that we are transparent about the limits of what we can control.
Providing the correct customs and product information does not guarantee that an individual shipment will be admitted into the United States.
The FDA and other relevant U.S. authorities ultimately determine whether regulated products presented for import are admissible.
ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR U.S.-BOUND ORDERS
As part of our preparations, we are implementing additional measures for orders destined for the United States:
- Orders will be limited to quantities consistent with a maximum three-month personal supply.
- Complete and accurate product, manufacturer and customs information will be provided with shipments where required.
- Products and manufacturers will continue to be reviewed against applicable U.S. import requirements and FDA Import Alerts.
- Where we become aware that a particular product cannot appropriately be supplied to the United States, we may restrict that product from U.S. orders.
- We will continue working with Zonos and our shipping partners as the new requirements are implemented.
These measures are intended to reduce avoidable customs and regulatory issues. However, they do not guarantee that an individual shipment will be admitted into the United States.
IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT THE 15% U.S. IMPORT & CUSTOMS CHARGE
We have noticed that some U.S. customers are not including the additional 15% charge, which has previously been referred to on our website as the “tariff charge.”
It is important that this charge is included with U.S.-bound orders.
The additional charge contributes towards the costs associated with processing orders for entry into the United States, including applicable customs charges and the additional Zonos/customs processing associated with these shipments.
This additional charge applies specifically to U.S.-bound orders and is not charged to customers ordering for delivery to our other international markets.
Please note that payment of the U.S. Import & Customs Charge covers these additional processing and import-related costs but does not guarantee that a shipment will be cleared or admitted by U.S. authorities.
WILL WE CONTINUE SHIPPING TO THE UNITED STATES?
Yes. Based on the information currently available to us and the preparations being undertaken with our shipping partners, we intend to continue accepting and dispatching orders to the United States after October 22.
However, we cannot guarantee that every shipment will clear U.S. customs or FDA review.
After October 22, it is possible that some customers may experience additional delays, FDA holds, refusals or, in some circumstances, non-delivery of particular products.
At present, neither we nor our customs and shipping partners can reliably predict how frequently this may occur once the new system becomes operational.
WHAT DO CUSTOMERS NEED TO DO?
Customers can continue to place their orders as usual. There are no additional steps customers need to take when placing an order as a result of the October 22 changes.
If you are contacted by a carrier, customs authority or other relevant authority regarding your shipment, please respond to any legitimate request for information in a timely manner, as delays in responding may affect the processing of your shipment.
WHAT IF MY ORDER IS STOPPED OR DOES NOT ARRIVE?
We understand that customers may be concerned about what happens if an order is affected by U.S. customs or FDA review.
Because the new process does not take effect until October 22, we do not yet know how frequently shipments may be delayed, detained or refused.
If your order is affected, please contact our customer service team. We will review each case individually and discuss the available options with you based on the circumstances.
At this stage, we do not believe it would be responsible to promise a particular outcome before we understand how the new U.S. requirements will operate in practice.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and review our policies as more information and practical experience become available.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
We will closely monitor the situation following implementation on October 22.
If particular products or categories experience difficulties entering the United States, we will review their availability and our shipping arrangements accordingly.
Where changes are necessary, we will communicate them clearly to affected customers.
This information reflects our current understanding of the October 22 requirements. As implementation guidance and operational requirements develop, we will update our customers where there are material changes.
OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS
We have been supplying customers internationally for more than 30 years, and we intend to continue doing so.
Our intention is to continue operating and shipping as usual wherever possible. We have taken extensive steps with Zonos, our shipping partners and other service providers to prepare for the changing U.S. requirements.
However, we also need to be prepared to adapt our processes, product availability or shipping arrangements where circumstances require us to do so.
There remains uncertainty about how the new U.S. process will operate in practice for medicine shipments after October 22. Rather than make promises we cannot guarantee, we believe it is important to be transparent about that uncertainty.
We will continue to monitor developments closely, respond to the circumstances as they arise and keep our customers informed of any material changes that affect them.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support.
InHousePharmacy
