Russia enforces strict regulations on bringing medicines across its borders. Individuals may carry certain medications for personal use, but reselling or sharing medicines purchased abroad is fraught with legal consequences. This overview reflects statements from Stanislav Smirnov, who leads the quality department at the pharmaceutical logistics operator NC Logistic, and who spoke to socialbites.ca.
First, it is important to distinguish between over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines. A person may import pharmaceutical products in limited quantities for personal use. Goods that are non-prescription generally require fewer formalities. However, travelers should not load up with more than six to eight packages, as doing so can trigger scrutiny at customs. This practical rule helps avoid delays and questions at the border.
When planning to carry prescription medication abroad, it is essential to have the proper documentation. A doctor’s prescription along with a medical history, including dosage and duration of treatment, proves valuable, especially if the traveler is bringing larger quantities. The prescribed regimen often involves multiple packets, and having clear documentation can prevent complications at border controls. It is important to note that drugs containing narcotic or psychotropic substances are prohibited from import without explicit permission, and these items follow special and stricter rules.
Travelers should not rely on unauthenticated intermediaries, sometimes called buyers, who promise to deliver medicines from abroad. Importing pharmaceutical products that are not meant for the traveler or their immediate relatives is a legal violation. In many cases, such sellers do not adhere to proper shipping standards, which can compromise medicine quality. Certain medicines require specific temperature controls during storage and transport; standard consumer shipping methods may fail to maintain the necessary conditions. Relying on third-party intermediaries can also raise the risk of receiving counterfeit products.
For those who need medicines for a patient in Russia, a legal entity, such as a medical institution, pharmaceutical manufacturer, wholesale company, or research institution, can arrange import under official channels to support health needs. Charitable foundations often work with these sanctioned suppliers and can facilitate communication and procurement. Deliveries to patients through these legitimate routes require authorization from the Ministry of Health before proceeding.
Before turning to medicines sourced abroad, it is wise to explore available generics and equivalents that are already registered in Russia. The local market offers a wide range of generic drugs that match or closely mimic the properties of original medications and can fully replace them when appropriate. In a well-functioning logistics environment, supply lines are typically steady, reducing the need to import non-local drugs, except in situations where there is urgent or vital medical necessity and no suitable local alternative. In such urgent cases, importing drugs from abroad may be considered, but only through proper, official channels and with appropriate medical oversight.
In summary, the responsible approach to medication import involves checking what is legally permissible for personal use, gathering medical documentation for prescription drugs, avoiding unverified intermediaries, and prioritizing official supply routes. When in doubt, prospective importers in North America should consult their local travel medicine resources, verify regulatory requirements with Russian authorities, and consider available Russian-approved generics before seeking medicines from abroad. These steps help ensure safety, compliance, and continuity of care for travelers and patients alike.
Additionally, guidance should be sought on how to dispose of expired medications properly, ensuring that disposal practices do not harm people or the environment and comply with local regulations in Canada and the United States as well as Russia if applicable.