Medicines and doping substances
The number of seized medicines and doping substances increased in 2025.
In 2025, the FOCBS seized a total of 7,841 shipments containing medications and doping substances, more than in the previous year (2025: 6,755). These shipments included a wide variety of preparations with undeclared or unauthorized substances, incorrect dosages, and were often delivered without a package insert. Such products can pose a health risk to recipients.
In each case, the FOCBS checks whether the seized medications are authorized and compliant, andwhether the quantity respects the monthly limit permitted for private individuals. If a shipment is suspicious, the FOCBS informs the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic) and holds the package. A zero-tolerance policy applies to doping substances.In 2025, 6,647 shipments were reported to Swissmedic.
A large proportion of the medications seized once again consisted of products for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (41%). However, compared to 2024, other categories increased significantly: products for hair loss were found in 19% of consignments (2024: 4%), and hormones (including melatonin) in 12% (2024: 4%) of consignments. More than half of the seized medications entered Switzerland via distribution platforms in Western and Eastern Europe, while around one fifth originated from India.
The most frequently seized medicines were as follows:
- Erectile dysfunction treatments (41%)
- Hair loss remedies (19%)
- Hormones (incl. melatonin) (12%)
- Sleeping pills and tranquilizers (8%)
- Nasal sprays and laxatives (5%)
- Slimming products (4%)
- Antibiotics, antiparasitics, antivirals (3%)
- Other (7%)
Origin of seized medicines
- Western Europe (40%)
- India (20%)
- Eastern Europe (15%)
- North America (including Canada) (10%)
- Asia (without India) (9%)
- Other (6%)
