Importation & Exportation Offences

Section 3 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
& Section 170 Customs & Excise Management Act 1979

Schedule 4 (ii) drugs can be imported or exported provided that they are in a medicinal form and for personal use.

In any other circumstances, the importation or exportation of any controlled drug is prohibited unless it is done in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the Secretary of State and in compliance with any conditions attached to the licence.

The potential for prosecutions in this area have grown with the increase of internet pharmacy sites. It is important to remember if ordering a controlled drug over the internet you may risk prosecution. There are also concerns about the safety of such drugs as there has been a huge increase in counterfeit pharmaceutical products over the last few years.

Penalties available for importation/exportation offences

The severity of the penalty applied in relation to production offences will depend on the individual circumstances of the case. Please note these are the maximum sentences only and in most cases will not be reflective of the sentence given.

Importation/Exportation Offences

Class A - life imprisonment or a fine or both

Class B - 14 years’ imprisonment or a fine or both

Class C - 14 years’ imprisonment or a fine or both