Medicines (medicinal products) from the Internet
Information on risks, legal basis and tips about medicinal products on the Internet (information search and ordering)
Guideline on medicines and the Internet and Swissmedic on the Internet
In order to protect the population from health hazards, the circulation of medicinal products is subject to strict regulations and monitoring.
Under the heading «Medicinal products from the Internet», the website of the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, Swissmedic, provides information on what you need to do when importing medicinal products into Switzerland.
Role of the customs authorities
Customs offices are involved in monitoring the importation, exportation and transit of medicinal products. In particular, they monitor whether the medicinal products are licensed or compliant and whether the quantity lies within the maximum individual monthly limit.
In the case of a suspicious shipment of goods, the customs office notifies Swissmedic and holds back the shipment in question.
Decisions regarding drug-related legislation are not made by the customs offices, but exclusively by Swissmedic.
Medicinal products for personal use
Travellers are allowed to carry medicinal products containing narcotic or psychotropic substances without an import or export permit, provided that the quantity carried is no greater than that required for 30 days, and in the case of exportation, that the destination country allows this.
N.B. You may only carry the quantity required for a month if it is for your own personal use and not for someone else.
You can find further information and advice on certifications on the website of the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, Swissmedic.
Doping substances
Products are considered to be doping substances when they contain substances listed in the Sport Promotion Ordinance (Annexe I) and/or when they could be used for the prohibited methods listed therein.
The Swiss drug database and the Prohibited list of the Swiss Sport Integrity contain further information about individual products.
Role of the customs authorities
Customs offices are involved in monitoring the importation, exportation and transit of doping substances.
In the case of a suspicious shipment of goods, the customs office notifies Swiss Sport Integrity and holds back the shipment in question.
Further decisions are not made by the customs offices, but exclusively by Swiss Sport Integrity
No doping substances for individuals
Individuals are not allowed to carry any doping substances or have them delivered.
