Customs Notice 628

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Section 56 Class Exemption for Travellers who are Importing or Exporting Prescription Drug Products Containing a Narcotic or a Controlled Drug

1. The purpose of this notice is to announce that section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Class Exemption for Travellers who are Importing or Exporting Prescription Drug Products Containing a Narcotic or a Controlled Drug, came into force on August 31, 2005.
2. This exemption only applies if the following conditions are met:
   1. The narcotic or controlled drug has been obtained under a prescription and is packaged in pharmacy- or hospital-dispensed packaging with the appropriate labelling;
   2. The narcotic or controlled drug is in the possession of the traveller at the time of entry or departure;
   3. The traveller is importing or exporting the narcotic or controlled drug for their own use or for the use of a person for whom they are responsible and who is travelling with them, to meet the medical needs of the person for whom it has been prescribed;
   4. The quantity of narcotic or controlled drug being imported or exported does not exceed the lesser of a single course of treatment OR a 30-day supply, based on the usual daily dose prescribed by a person who is registered and entitled to practise the profession of medicine or dentistry;
   5. In the case of an export, the export will not contravene the laws and regulations of the country of destination; and
   6. In the case of an import, the narcotic or controlled drug is declared to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the time of entry into Canada.
3. Individuals are not permitted to import or export products containing a narcotic or controlled drug by mail or courier.
4. Individuals remaining in Canada for longer than 30 days will need to make arrangements to see a Canadian physician to obtain a Canadian prescription.
5. Other than as set out above, only dealers licensed under the Narcotic Control Regulations or the Food and Drug Regulations can import or export a narcotic or controlled drug with appropriate permits.
6. This exemption does not apply to the importation or exportation of narcotics or controlled drugs for animals.
7. The CBSA administers regulations on behalf of Health Canada. Consequently, failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this class exemption may lead to enforcement action being taken at the border.
8. Reference may be made to Memorandum D19-9-2, Regulations of Narcotics and Controlled and Restricted Drugs (Narcotic Control Act, Food and Drugs Act), and Customs Notice N-572, Collection of Permits for Health Canada.
9. In regard to the exemptions, reference may be made to the Health Canada Web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca (Home > Drugs & Health Products > Controlled Substances & Precursor Chemicals > Policy and Regulations > Policy Documents).
10. Any questions concerning this notice should be directed to:

    Health, Safety and Security Unit
    Partnerships Division
    Border and Compliance Programs Directorate
    Admissibility Branch
    Canada Border Services Agency
    14th Floor
    191 Laurier Avenue West
    Ottawa ON K1A 0L8
    
    Telephone: (613) 946-0240
    Facsimile: (613) 946-1520
    

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