Transportation of therapeutic and controlled drugs across international borders: a descriptive analysis of information available to travellers

BACKGROUND: Transportation of medications across borders can present challenges for international travellers. We investigated the provision of official country-specific information available to individuals travelling with medications. METHODS: Data from official government sources relating to restrictions on the transportation of medications for personal use were analysed to determine compliance with international recommendations and identify variation in practice between countries. RESULTS: Schedule 1 drug classifications and import restrictions for narcotic and psychotropic drugs varied widely between countries. Some countries do not conform to recommendations from the International Narcotics Control Board. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should be broadly aware of country-specific restrictions on therapeutic drug transportation and be able to direct travellers to definitive sources of information.