How to Send Medicine from India to USA – A Complete Guide

 

How to Send medicines from India to the USA is common among families who want to support loved ones living abroad. However, shipping medicines internationally is not as straightforward as sending clothes or gifts. Since both India and the USA have strict customs regulations regarding medicines, it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure safe and legal delivery.


This guide explains how to send medicine from India to USA, what documents are required, and which courier services are most reliable.

Can You Send Medicine from India to USA?

Yes, you can—but only legally prescribed medicines for personal use are allowed. Shipping prohibited, narcotic, or banned substances can lead to customs rejection or penalties.

Medicines should:

  • Be for personal use only (not for resale).

  • Have a valid prescription from a registered doctor.

  • Be in original packaging with manufacturer details.

Documents Required to Send Medicines Abroad

When sending medicines to the USA from India, the following documents are generally required:

  1. Doctor’s Prescription – Must mention the patient’s name, medicine details, dosage, and purpose.

  2. Doctor’s Letter – A written statement explaining why the medicine is prescribed.

  3. Invoice/Bill – A purchase receipt from the pharmacy.

  4. Photo ID Proof of Sender – Passport, Aadhaar, or PAN card.

  5. Patient’s ID Proof (if different from sender) – To confirm the medicines are for genuine use.

Steps to Send Medicine from India to USA

  1. Consult Your Courier Service
    Contact an international courier company and check if they handle medicine shipments. Not all providers accept pharmaceutical products.

  2. Prepare the Documents
    Collect the doctor’s prescription, bill, and ID proofs. Keep them ready for customs clearance.

  3. Check FDA (Food & Drug Administration) Rules
    The USA FDA has strict guidelines on importing medicines. Only approved medicines for personal use are allowed.

  4. Choose the Right Courier
    Select a courier that provides medicine delivery services like DHL, FedEx, UPS, or specialized providers handling pharmaceutical logistics.

  5. Pack Medicines Properly

    • Use the original sealed packaging.

    • Place medicines in a sturdy box.

    • Attach documents securely to avoid customs delays.

  6. Book the Shipment
    Hand over the package to the courier service. They will generate an Air Waybill (AWB) with tracking details.

  7. Track and Deliver
    Once dispatched, track your parcel online. Delivery may take 5–10 business days depending on the courier and service type.

Courier Services That Ship Medicines from India to USA

  • DHL Express – Reliable but requires complete documentation.

  • FedEx International – Handles pharmaceutical shipments with special care.

  • UPS Worldwide – Good for bulk medical parcels.

  • Aramex – Budget-friendly but may have restrictions on certain medicines.

  • Specialized Medical Couriers – Some logistics companies specialize in medicine delivery for NRI families.

Approximate Courier Charges (India to USA for Medicines)

WeightExpress CourierEconomy Courier
0.5 kg₹2,200 – ₹2,500₹1,500 – ₹1,800
1 kg₹2,800 – ₹3,200₹2,000 – ₹2,300
5 kg₹9,000 – ₹10,500₹7,000 – ₹8,200

(Rates are approximate and vary by courier and city of origin.)

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Check if the medicine is FDA-approved before shipping.

  • Avoid sending narcotics or controlled substances.

  • Always declare the contents honestly in the courier invoice.

  • If unsure, consult the courier service for guidance.

Conclusion

How to Send medicines from India to USA is possible and legal if you follow the right steps. With proper documentation—doctor’s prescription, bill, and ID proofs—and by choosing a trusted courier, your loved ones in the USA can receive medicines safely.

For urgent requirements, DHL, FedEx, and UPS are excellent options, while India Post EMS or Aramex can be considered for non-urgent, budget-friendly deliveries.

By preparing carefully, you can ensure that your how to medicine from India to USA is smooth, compliant, and delivered on time.

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