Personal Medication Import Guide For Medicines – Philippines | MedsMonk

Question 1

Is it legal to import specialty medicines into the Philippines for personal use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Philippines allows individuals to import prescription and specialty medicines for personal treatment, as long as the correct documents are provided and the medicines are not intended for resale.

Question 2

How much medicine can I import?

Accepted Answer

Typically:

Up to 3 months’ supply

Larger amounts may be questioned or treated as commercial import.

Question 3

Do I need approval from FDA Philippines?

Accepted Answer

You need FDA or other agency approval only if the medicine is regulated or controlled, such as:

Narcotics

Opioids

Psychotropic substances

Benzodiazepines

ADHD medicines

Other dangerous drugs

Standard prescription or specialty medicines usually do not require FDA approval but must have complete documents.

Question 4

What documents do I need for customs clearance?

Accepted Answer

Prepare:

Doctor’s prescription (with your name, dosage, duration, license number)

Medical summary / treatment letter

Invoice / receipt

Valid ID or passport

Cold-chain handling notes (if applicable)

Customs may request scanned or digital copies.

Question 5

What types of specialty medicines are allowed?

Accepted Answer

Allowed for personal-use import (with documents):

Cancer treatments & chemotherapy

Targeted therapy & immunotherapy

Biologics / biosimilars

Rare-disease medications

Injectable or infusion medicines

Hormonal & endocrine therapies

Controlled substances require permits.

Question 6

Can I import medicines for another person?

Accepted Answer

No. The prescription, ID, and shipment receiver name must match the same person. Philippines customs strictly enforces this.

Question 7

Will I be charged duties and taxes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shipments may be charged:

Customs duty

12% VAT

Processing fees

Duties depend on declared value and classification.

Question 8

Can customs hold my shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shipments may be held if:

Documents are incomplete

Medicine looks commercial

Name mismatch

Contains controlled substances

Quantity is excessive

Customs will request additional information if needed.

Question 9

What happens if I import a controlled drug without a permit?

Accepted Answer

The parcel may be:

Seized

Returned

Destroyed

Investigated by authorities

Controlled drugs require express permits from:

FDA Philippines

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)

Philippine National Police (PNP) (for some items)

Question 10

Are cold-chain medicines allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if properly packed and documented.Shipments must include:

Insulation / ice packs

Clear labeling

Medical justification

Question 11

Do personal-use medicines need FDA product registration?

Accepted Answer

No. Product registration is required only for commercial import or distribution.

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