Shipping Medicines from Malaysia

Yes, you can ship medications with DHL Express, as long as they are in their original labelled packaging or containers.

• If you are shipping prescription drugs, you must include a doctor’s prescription and a detailed invoice with your shipment.

• For over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, the regulations vary by destination country. Some countries do not allow the import of OTC medicines at all, while others require a doctor's prescription. 

For example:

• The United States, Thailand, and Hong Kong do not allow the importation of OTC medicines for personal use.

• In Singapore and Indonesia, a doctor's prescription is necessary, even for OTC medicines.

Prescription Drugs:

Yes, you need a doctor’s prescription to ship prescription drugs.

Most countries require this to verify the prescription matches the authorized amounts and types specified by the doctor.

OTC Medicines: 

In some countries, you do need a doctor’s prescription to ship OTC medicines. 

For example, Singapore and Indonesia require a prescription even for OTC products. However, there are countries where a prescription is not necessary, such as Japan, Australia, and India.

The amount of medication you can ship for personal use depends on the country you are sending it to.

• Prescription Drugs: Countries like Singapore, Indonesia, the United States, and Australia generally allow you to import a maximum of a 3-month supply of prescription medicine without needing special approval.

• OTC Medicines: Japan allows up to a two-month supply of OTC medication, while the Philippines permits a maximum of 50 grams of OTC medicine without special approval.

To ship medicine with DHL, you must book your shipment via MyDHL+ or drop it off at a DHL Express Service Point. 

When booking, you must provide a valid doctor’s prescription, drug manufacturer details, and an itemized invoice specifying the medicine’s name, quantity, and purpose.

Before submitting your package, make sure the medicine is securely packed using padded envelopes or bubble wrap and properly labeled with the recipient’s full details, including name, address, and contact information.

Import regulations vary by country, but our on-ground support team and service point assistants are always available to guide you through the necessary compliance steps for a seamless shipping experience.

Medications prohibited from being shipped internationally typically include controlled substances, narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and any medication not approved by the destination country's regulatory authority or not intended for medical use.

Common examples are opioids, stimulants, and certain sedatives. Each country has its own list of restricted or banned substances, so it’s important to check the destination country’s regulations before shipping.

Penalties for shipping prohibited or unapproved medications internationally can include fines, confiscation of the shipment, and criminal charges.

The severity of the penalties depends on the country’s laws and the nature of the violation.

In some cases, individuals may face imprisonment or legal action. Always verify the regulations of the destination country to avoid these risks.

When shipping sensitive medications like inhalers, EpiPens, insulin, vaccines, and certain antibiotics, it's crucial to use special packaging to keep them effective during transit. 

When shipping with DHL Express, we offer three types of temperature-sensitive packaging solutions, which are exclusively available to approved account customers using our WMX Medical Express service. Unfortunately, these options are not available for individual shippers.

Here are the three packaging types:

1. Room Temperature Packaging

• Temperature Range: 15°C to 25°C
• Duration: Up to 72 hours
• Use for: Medications that can safely be stored at room temperature.

2. Chilled Packaging

• Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C
• Duration: Up to 108 hours
• Use for: Medications that require refrigeration.

3. Frozen Packaging

• Temperature: Below -20°C
• Duration: Up to 129 hours
• Use for: Medications that need to be kept frozen.
• Additional feature: Maintains stable air pressure.

The documents needed for shipping medicines for personal use are commercial invoices and the doctor’s prescription.

There is no required format for the prescription, but it must be a valid document from a licensed doctor with the drug names, dosage, patient’s name, and medical condition clearly stated.

You should attach the prescription along with the commercial invoice inside the package when handing over your shipment through pickup or drop-off at DHL Express Service Points.

Yes, you can generally send prescription medicines to most countries. However, each country has its own regulations. Some may impose quantity limits (e.g. 30-90 day supply), restrict controlled substances, or require prior approval for larger amounts.

A valid prescription is typically needed, and certain medications may be banned or restricted in some countries. It's important to check the specific regulations of the destination country and ensure compliance with packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements before shipping.

Customs regulations for shipping medications vary by country, particularly in terms of allowable quantities and types of medications.

For example, the United States restricts the import of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, while countries like Indonesia and Australia prohibit the import of narcotics and psychotropic substances. It is important to check the specific regulations of the destination country regarding the quantity, type of medication, and necessary documentation before shipping.

Shipping medicines to the U.S. is regulated by the FDA.

Only prescription medications can be imported for personal use under certain conditions, such as a valid prescription and proof that the drug is for personal use, not resale.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are generally not allowed. Controlled substances are prohibited unless the person has prior approval from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).