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Traveling with medicines and medical devices.
Are you planning to travel with medicines and medical devices?
Don't end up with an unpleasant surprise.
You need to know about the rules and requirements that apply to travelers
Why do you need to be careful about traveling with medicines and medical
devices?
Australia has regulations about carrying medicines and medical devices for your
own use
in and out of the country.
Taking medicines
and medical devices out of Australia.
Different countries have different laws
about what can be taken in and out.
Check that the medicine or medical device is allowed in the destination country
You can do this by consulting the country's Consulate
or Embassy.
Some medicines that are legally available in Australia are not allowed
in other countries.
Some medicines cannot be carried into certain countries
without a permit even though they can be legally used
there.
You may need to apply for customs clearance for some medicines.
If your medication is a illegal at your destination
ask your doctor about alternatives.
Be aware that restrictions may also apply to complementary medicines.
Do you want to take vitamins or supplements on your trip?
In Australia vitamin D
may be available at the supermarket, only from a pharmacy
or only on prescription depending on how large the dosage is.
There may also be differences in other countries
and you need to know what applies to your medication.
Talk to your doctor.
If you need prescription or over-the-counter medicine while you're
traveling
check what medication you need. Normally prescriptions from Australia cannot be
filled overseas.
Some over-the-counter medicines may not be available elsewhere,
and don't forget to mention to your doctor
any complementary medicines you may be taking.
Make sure you have sufficient quantity of your medication.
Be aware that it is illegal take some medicines
,such as Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines, out of Australia if they are
not for your use
of the use of the person traveling with you.
Carry a letter.
When traveling overseas with medicines and medical devices
is a good idea to have accompanying documentation from your doctor.
If you're carrying complementary medicines ask your doctor
to include these in the letter. Where possible
it is best to take a letter and your prescription. You can find a sample
letter
on the Australian Government travel secure website.
Keep medicines and medical devices in their original packaging.
Doing this whenever possible makes the product
easy but customs officials to identify.
Carry medicine and medical devices in your hand luggage.
Medicines are exempt from the 100 ml limit on liquids,
aerosoles and gels. Hypodermic needles
a prohibited unless it is medically necessary for you to carry them.
They should be accompanied with proof that you require them and be kept
in your hand luggage with the medication they will be used to administer
Bringing medicines
and medical devices into Australia.
Australia has some programs in place to assist you when coming into the country
with medicines and medical devices. Your medicine
or device may be covered by the travelers exemption, or you may belong in
a special category.
If you do not fit under one of these groups
you may need an import permit.
The travelers exemption allows you to bring certain prescribed medicines
and medical devices into the country without needing special permission.
This includes medications that lower blood cholesterol,
blood pressure, blood glucose and
/or gastric acid, contraception medications (birth control),
antibiotics, blood glucose monitoring devices
and medications to aid sleep (sedatives).
Travelers exemption requirements.
The medicine or device must be to your use or for a passenger
in your care.
You cannot sell or supply the products to another person. Keep the product
in its original packaging with dispensing labels (if possible),
Carry the prescription or written authorisation showing that it is for use
or for a person in your care.
Carry no more than three months supply, at the maximum dose.
Take any remaining medicines or devices with you
when you leave Australia. Comply with requests
and directions from customs officers.
Special categories: If you're importing substances containing animals
or plants listed as endangered species check the requirements with the Australian
Government Department
of the Environment. If you're importing substances containing
biological material
(human, animal, plant or bacteria)
check the requirements with the Australian Government Department
Agriculture. For more information and website links
see the helpful links for travelers page on our website.
Special categories apply to: Athletes and members are visiting sporting teams.
Medications containing substances subject to import conrols
and Injections containing material of human or animal origin.
Check the TGA website and, if necessary,
apply for the correct permissions.
Please visit the helpful links for travelers page on the TGA website
for links
to other relevant organisations.
A final message from the TGA.
Be careful about buying medicines and medical devices
overseas. Medicines and devices from overseas
may not have been approved for sale in Australia. There is no guarantee
they meet the same standards of quality, safety
and efficacy as products approved supply by us,
the TGA.
For more information about the risks involved see our website.
You can find out more by visiting
www.tga.gov.au
or by calling 1800 020
653