Importation Of Medicine Into Germany For Personal Use

Germany has a highly regulated healthcare system with strict rules on importing medicines for personal use. If you are traveling to or living in Germany, you may need to bring your medication, especially if it is not readily available locally or hasn’t been prescribed by a German doctor.

You must understand the legal framework and practical steps involved in importing medicines for personal use. It is also important to ensure compliance with German law and avoid potential issues at customs.

In this blog, we will provide you with essential information on the regulations, the types of medicines allowed, and the process of importing them into Germany for personal use.

Rules For Importing Medication Into Germany

The rules for importing medications into Germany for personal use are:

Requirement For Personal Use

The medicine to be imported should be for personal use and not be intended for resale or distribution.

The quantity of the medicine should not exceed a 90-day supply.

Prescription Medications

You must carry a valid prescription assigned by the doctor (which must be in German or English).

The prescription must specify that the medication is necessary for your treatment.

Restricted And Controlled Substances

Certain substances include narcotics and psychotropic drugs. They might be prohibited or subject to strict controls. These substances include strong painkillers, sedatives, or other controlled drugs.

The medications containing controlled substances require additional documentation, such as a drug import license or a specific form issued by the German authorities.

Custom Declarations

Once the medicines arrive in Germany, they must be declared to customs. The questions might arise regarding the medication’s quantity, purpose, and origin.

If you do not declare your medication to customs, there is a risk the items could be confiscated, and you might face fines or penalties.

Medications Unauthorized In Germany

The medications available in other countries might not be authorized for sale or use in Germany. The medicines found by customs could be seized, and you might face legal consequences.

Limitation In Imports

Importing medicines in excessive quantities might raise suspicions, and customs might consider it a commercial import subject to confiscation.

Non-Prescription Drugs

Non-prescription drugs are generally easier to import, but there might still be restrictions on certain types, such as unauthorized medications in Germany or products containing restricted ingredients.

Labeling And Packaging

It is always recommended that the medication be in its original packaging and labeled clearly. However, if the medicines are not in German or English, they might require an available translation.

Prescription For Non-Prescription Medications

Certain non-prescription medications might require a prescription if they contain certain active substances or are deemed to have significant health risks. You must always check if the medication requires a prescription in Germany before importation.

Supply sources

The medications must be obtained from a pharmacy that is a member of the European Union or a contracting state of the agreement on the European Economic Area. It ensures a certain level of safety regarding the quality of the medication.

However, the supply sources, such as Pharmabridge International, a licensed pharmaceutical supply platform that provides 100% genuine products, are ones that people can rely on. You should be careful when choosing a medication source, as many fraudulent pharmacies exist.

Medicines that you can import

You can import medicines used to manage erectile dysfunction in men from Pharmabridge International, such as generic Cialis (Tadalafil), generic Levitra, and generic Viagra.

Legal Guidelines For Importation

According to Sec 73 (2) of the German Medicines Act (AMG), importing medicines not approved in Germany is permitted only under certain conditions. The exceptional rule allows patients to access necessary medications that are not available domestically.

Detailed Explanation Of Section 73, Paragraph 2 Of The AMG:

Section 73 of the AMG regulates the importation of pharmaceuticals from abroad. In paragraph 1 of section 73 under AMG, certain medicinal products might only be imported into Germany if the competent authority approves them or if there is a marketing authorization. A few exceptions exist to the principle in sec 73, paragraph 2 AMG.

Section 73, paragraph 2, number 6 AMG allows private individuals to import into Germany if they are approved by the competent authority or if marketing authorization exists. Specifically, section 73, paragraph 2, number 6 AMG allows private individuals to import medications without German approval for personal use, provided under certain conditions.

Requirements Of The Medical Certificate And Prescription

The medical certificate or prescription should contain the following details:

• Name and birthplace of the patient
• Diagnosis and medical necessity of the medication.
• Specific medication details, such as name, ingredients, and dosage.
• Explaining the reasons why no alternative treatment option is available in Germany.
• However, presenting the certificate in German or with a certified translation is always advisable to avoid certain misunderstandings with the authorities.

Customs And Documents Required

While importing the medications, the documents that must be provided include the following:

• A valid medical prescription or certificate.
• A proof of the necessity of the medication.
• An invoice or delivery note from the foreign pharmacy.

Risk Factors While Importing Medicine Into Germany

Seizure of medicines

The customs might seize items considered illegal, declared improper, or not for personal use.

Fines or penalties

When you fail to declare medicines or violate any of the laws, you could face legal consequences or be charged with fines.

Health risks

Importing medicines from unregulated sources might expose you to counterfeit or unsafe products.

To reduce the risks, it is always advisable to check the specific regulations of German customs or consult the German Medicines Agency before attempting to import medication.

Note: The importation is at your own risk. For any side effects or damages caused, the manufacturer abroad is not liable under German law. The patient is responsible for ensuring that all the legal rules and regulations are followed.

If you are interested in knowing more about German law, you can visit the blog “Imports of medicinal products.”

Recommendations For Patients

There are specific recommendations for patients that are to be followed while importing medicine into Germany for personal use:

Proper Research

You must conduct thorough research and inform yourself about the required medication and its availability.

Proper Medical Advice

Always consult your doctor and obtain a detailed medical certificate.

Official Clarification

For further information, contact customs authorities or the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

Documentation

You must prepare all the necessary documents for customs clearance.

Criminal Consequences

The violations of the Medicines Act can have serious consequences, including fines or imprisonment. It generally applies particularly to the prohibited substances or substances in larger quantities that might exceed personal use.

Consultations With The Professionals

In case of life uncertainties, seeking proper consultations with an expert in pharmaceutical law to minimize the risks is recommended.

Conclusion

To conclude, importing medication into Germany for personal use is an easy option for people seeking specific medicines that are not readily available in the country. Therefore, it is necessary to comply with German regulations to ensure legal and safe importation. It includes adhering to custom rules and obtaining necessary prescriptions. You should also understand the types or quantities of medicines that might be imported. While doing so, the individuals might safeguard their health and avoid potential legal issues. Therefore, ensuring their health and avoiding potential legal problems is always essential. Consequently, it is always important to stay informed about any changes in the law and seek proper medical and legal advice from professionals if needed.