SEPT 2014 CURRENT REGS FOR CONTROLLED DRUGS OVERSEAS
Hi all, I looked into this as I am now using Medikinet (methylphenidate) since July 2014 as I am recently diagnosed as I travel to Africa, Europe and sometimes Asia for work, and to the US and L America for family... pretty crazy ... but I was surprised how seriously this is taken in nearly all countries in the world. Really, I think it is essential you check hard and do what you need to. Has anyone had a bad experience with this? I put this together for my psych as he didn't know current regs and think it could be useful for all of us here, so reposting :
Methylphenidate is a Class B controlled drug in the UK. This means that in the UK, for possession (outside of being allowed on prescription), maximum penalty is up to 5 years in prison:
www.gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing Drug Class B
Amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, ketamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (eg mephedrone, methoxetamine)
Possession
Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Supply
Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Rules for Overseas Travel from UK with Controlled Drugs (correct at Sept 2014)
A. Enter/exit the UK
www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs 1. If you're entering or leaving the UK for 3 months or more you must get a personal licence from the Home Office if you are taking medication containing a controlled drug. Fill in the application form and send it together with a letter from your prescribing doctor or drug worker to the address on the form. You need to apply to the Home Office for a personal licence at least 10 working days before the date you’re due to travel.
2. If it is less than 3 months you don't need a licence but you should have a letter from your prescribing doctor with:
the doctor's name, qualification, contact details (address/phone/email) and registered health practitioner number (ideally, headed paper)
your name
your travel itinerary
a list of your prescribed controlled drugs
dosages and total amounts for each drug
You might have to show the letter when going through customs.
3. Carrying the controlled drugs
If you take your prescribed controlled medicines abroad, you must carry them:
* in the original, correctly labelled packaging
* in your hand luggage (airline regulations permitting)
* with your doctor's letter and home office licence (if needed)
B. Enter/exit your destination country/countries
You must check the regulations for controlled drugs with each country you’re travelling to by contacting their embassy in the UK.
In nearly all cases, these should be declared to customs on entry along with a letter like the above.
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In practice, this looks like a bit of a nightmare if you travel to developing countries like I do: there's nothing on the websites about controlled drug declaration in general. I will have to look into it more. And of course declaring anything in customs outside of Europe may lead to lengthy delays and 'special treatment' which could be (at the least) time consuming, embarrassing professionally or leave your wallet a bit lighter or worse.