5 Things to Know About Shipping Prescription Medications to the U.S. Right Now

For many Americans, accessing affordable prescription medications from Canada or international sources can be life-changing. At the same time, cross-border shipping rules continue to evolve, and the process looks very different from picking up a prescription at your local pharmacy.

Understanding what is happening behind the scenes — and what to expect — can make the experience smoother, more predictable, and far less stressful.

What Has Changed?

The U.S. government has imposed a 10% temporary tariff, with an expected increase to 15% at any time for 150 days, effective as of February 24, 2026.

It is important to clarify how tariff refunds are handled. These tariffs were imposed by the U.S. government and collected on its behalf. Any decisions regarding refunds related to tariff rulings fall under U.S. government jurisdiction. As a result, any compensation would be addressed directly by the U.S. government.

Since the removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption in August 2025, tariffs and cross-border shipping requirements have shifted significantly.

What is de minimis?
De minimis previously allowed certain goods valued under a set threshold to enter the U.S. without duties or extensive customs processing. With its removal, more shipments are now subject to tariffs, additional documentation, and increased border scrutiny.

New rulings as of February 24, 2026, continue to allow prescription orders over $800 tariff free.

CanShipMeds and our shipping partners have been continuously adapting to follow evolving U.S. government and carrier guidelines.

What this means for you:

• The new temporary 10% tariff rate imposed is across the board, future policies can see tariffs vary by the medication’s country of origin.
• Documentation requirements may vary by carrier; identification standards have increased
• Overnight or expedited deliveries are currently not feasible due to increased customs review and documentation requirements
• CanShipMeds remains actively engaged in monitoring these changes and adapting quickly to protect patient access

1) Understanding Tariffs and Finding Practical Solutions

Addressing the Tariff Roadblock

Tariffs are not always what they seem — and they do not automatically eliminate savings.

A tariff is a tax imposed by the U.S. government on imported goods from another country. These taxes are typically passed on to the consumer, increasing the overall cost of imported products.

CanShipMeds does not simply source safe, effective, and affordable medications — we also evaluate international supply options with tariff impact in mind to help maintain cost savings where possible.

Do not let the word “tariff” discourage you from exploring affordable access.

Contact our patient support team to discuss the latest information on your affordable medication options under the new, temporary lower tariff rates.

2) Documentation Requirements Can Change — Staying Current Matters

One of the biggest challenges in cross-border medication shipping is that documentation requirements are not static. Customs expectations, carrier rules, and regulatory guidance can change with little notice.

How CanShipMeds Helps

• Our patient support team stays current on evolving documentation requirements
• Every order is reviewed to ensure paperwork reflects the current carrier and customs standards
• Patients are contacted promptly if additional information is required

This proactive oversight helps reduce delays and ensures your order is prepared in accordance with the most up-to-date requirements at the time of shipment.

3) Shipping Methods Can Affect What’s Required

The selected shipping method can influence documentation requirements, delivery timelines, and customs handling.

Private couriers and postal services follow different internal procedures. As a result, identification requirements, tariff processing, and customs review times may vary.

In some cases, additional clarification or documentation may be requested depending on the carrier and the shipment.

How CanShipMeds Helps

• We ensure transparent and accurate product representation for every shipment
• We adapt documentation to align with current carrier and customs guidelines
• We help patients understand how different shipping options may impact timing

Clear expectations upfront help prevent surprises later.

4) Active Monitoring and Protection During Shipping

Once a prescription leaves the pharmacy, it does not disappear into uncertainty. And even when all the guidelines have been followed, disruptions may occur en route or at customs; however, there are options to protect against uncertainty.

How CanShipMeds Helps

• Our in-house tracking system actively monitors shipments
• We monitor for delays or exceptions and respond where possible
• Accidental coverage is available to protect patients if prescriptions are not received due to specified circumstances

This added layer of oversight provides reassurance during a process that can otherwise feel unpredictable.

5) What Patients Should Be Prepared For

Accessing affordable prescription medication internationally can provide significant financial relief. It is also a different experience from local pharmacy pickup.

Savings can be life-changing — but the process is different.

International shipping involves additional steps and longer timelines. Our patient support team is available to answer questions, ease concerns, and keep you informed throughout the process.

Monitoring the ongoing change in tariffs means that times international sourcing options may help reduce the overall tariff impact.

Requests for documentation and delivery timelines may vary. Customs review and carrier processing can affect shipping times.

Ongoing communication is part of the experience. We continuously monitor requirements and update patients when changes may affect their orders.

Staying current protects your access. Following the latest cross-border shipping and carrier requirements is a priority. As regulations evolve, we adapt early to maintain compliance and a reputation for reliable service, and to ensure continued access to affordable medications.

Patient safety and reliability remain our top priorities. We do everything we can to ensure prescriptions are delivered safely, accurately, and efficiently in a changing regulatory environment.

The Bottom Line

Shipping prescription medications into the U.S. from Canada or international sources now requires greater coordination, documentation, and tariff awareness than in previous years.

With experienced oversight, proactive adaptation, and ongoing communication, patients can continue to access affordable medications while feeling informed and supported.

CanShipMeds exists to navigate this complexity on your behalf — so you are never left guessing.