Controlled Drugs and UK Regulations
It is illegal to ship Controlled Drugs into the UK, even if they are ordered by an authorised supplier in another country. Letters of authorisation issued abroad are not valid in the UK and do not permit the importation of Controlled Drugs.
The UK Border Force has the authority to:
- Seize and destroy shipments containing Controlled Drugs.
- Impose fines exceeding £10,000.
- In severe cases, ban future shipments to the affected vessel.
The list of Controlled Drugs is extensive. For an overview of the most commonly encountered substances, refer to the following link:
UK Controlled Drugs List.
General Advice
To ensure compliance and avoid issues, please follow these guidelines:
-
Order Locally in the UK
Most vessel medical supplies, including Controlled Drugs, can be procured within the UK.
Controlled Drugs require permission from the UK NHS, and UK pharmacies or ship agents can assist with this process. -
Ship Medical Supplies Separately
Do not mix medical supplies with general shipments. Always ship them separately to reduce inspection complications. -
Verify Before Shipping
Suppliers or forwarders should consult a UK pharmacy or ship agent before sending any medical supplies to the UK. -
Personal Travel with Controlled Drugs
Do not hand-carry Controlled Drugs into the UK unless you have a valid prescription for personal use.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can avoid delays, fines, and potential legal complications.
Please contact us for advice:
Phone: +47 70 11 70 80
E-mail: shipmed@shipmed.no
