Travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain controlled substances

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Before you travel in or out of Canada

Find out if your medication contains a controlled substance by:

There are 3 types of controlled substances:

There are specific requirements for each type of controlled substance.

Travelling into Canada with a narcotic or controlled drug

If you want to travel to Canada with a medication that contains a narcotic or controlled drug, you must meet certain terms and conditions. These are outlined in the exemption under section 56 of the Act.

Section 56 class exemption

Summary of terms and conditions

You can bring whichever amount of medication is less:

The medication must be:

The medication must be for you or for a person you are responsible for who is travelling with you. It cannot be for an animal.

You must declare the medication to customs when you arrive in Canada.

The requirements are the same if you are entering or leaving Canada.

You cannot send products containing a narcotic or controlled drug into Canada by mail.

If your stay in Canada is longer than 30 days, you will need to see a physician in Canada to get a prescription.

Travelling into Canada with a targeted substance

If you want to travel to Canada with a medication that contains a targeted substance, you must meet certain requirements.

Requirements under the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations

Summary of requirements

If you are a Canadian resident, you can bring whichever amount of medication is less:

If you are a resident of a foreign country, you can bring whichever amount of medication is less:

The medication must be prescribed by a practitioner, such as a:

The label must include:

The medication must be for you or for a person you are responsible for who is travelling with you. It can also be for an animal travelling with you.

You must declare the medication to customs when you arrive in Canada.

The requirements are the same if you are entering or leaving Canada.

Travelling out of Canada with a narcotic, controlled drug or targeted substance

Some drugs that are legal in Canada may be illegal in other countries you plan to visit. Before you leave Canada, contact the foreign representatives in Canada of the country you plan to visit. They can tell you if your medication is legal in that country. They can also give you any travel requirements you must follow.

Foreign representatives in Canada

Contact us

Email the Exemptions Section if you have any questions about travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain narcotics or controlled drugs:

Email: exemption@hc-sc.gc.ca

Email the Compliance Section with your questions about travelling into and out of Canada with prescription medications that contain other controlled substances.

Email: compliance-conformite@hc-sc.gc.ca

Email the Health Products Border Compliance Program for information about travelling with prescription medications that do not contain controlled substances.

Email: hpbcp-pcpsf@hc-sc.gc.ca

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