Medicines from the UK to Poland — How Much Can You Bring and How to Declare It?

Medicines for Personal Use — What You Can Bring Without a Permit

The rules governing the import of medicines by a private individual into Poland are regulated by several pieces of legislation simultaneously: EU pharmaceutical law, EU customs rules, Polish pharmaceutical law (the Pharmaceutical Law Act of 6 September 2001), and the guidelines of the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate (GIF). The key criterion is: whether the medicine is intended for the personal use of the traveller, or for sale or transfer to others. Customs authorities assess the quantity of goods and the circumstances of the import.

OTC (Over-the-Counter) Medicines — Limit of 3 Months' Supply

Medicines available without a prescription (OTC), such as painkillers, cold remedies, vitamins or herbal preparations, can be brought into Poland from the UK for personal use. The general practice applied by customs authorities is to accept quantities corresponding to no more than a 3-month supply — calculated on the basis of a typical dosage.

There is no single fixed quantity limit in the EU for each individual OTC medicine. Assessment lies with the customs authority — if you have more than can be justified for personal use, the officer may challenge the import and ask for an explanation. Bring original packaging with leaflets — this makes explaining the purpose easier.

Important: OTC medicines available in the UK may not be registered in Poland or may differ in composition. Not all active substances have the same legal status in the UK and in Poland. Check on the GIF website whether the medicine is authorised for sale in Poland: gov.pl/web/gif.

Prescription Medicines — What You Must Have With You

If you are carrying prescription medicines, bring the prescription or a medical certificate with you — in the original or as a copy. A prescription issued in the UK by an NHS or private doctor is a document confirming that the medicine is intended for you.

Formally, Polish rules do not require translation of an English prescription into Polish for customs purposes — but if the officer has doubts, a translation can speed up clearance. Prescription medicine for personal use: the maximum quantity is a 90-day treatment supply — do not bring more if you are going on a longer journey.

Note: not all prescription medicines available in the UK are registered in Poland or have the same composition. Check before you travel whether your medicine is authorised for sale in Poland — check the GIF medicinal product register or ask a pharmacist in Poland.

Controlled and Narcotic Medicines — Permits and Prohibitions

Narcotic and psychotropic medicines (e.g. opioids, benzodiazepines, ADHD stimulants) are subject to a special control regime in both the UK and Poland and throughout the EU. Transporting such medicines without the appropriate documents risks confiscation and criminal proceedings — even if the medicine is prescribed by a doctor and intended solely for personal use. Before travelling, you must meet the requirements on the UK side (MHRA / Home Office) and on the Polish side (GIF / Ministry of Health).

Home Office Licence for Taking a Controlled Medicine out of the UK

If you are transporting a medicine containing a Controlled Drug from the UK to Poland, you need a Home Office UK export licence if you are carrying a supply for more than 3 months (or if the regulations of the destination country require it). For under 3 months — a medical certificate in English is required, but not a full Home Office licence.

Detailed information on which medicines require a licence and how to obtain one is available at: gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs. The application form for a licence (form PB-CD07) is submitted to the Home Office Drug Licensing & Compliance Unit.

Do not ignore this requirement — interception of a controlled medicine without documentation can lead to arrest, even if the medicine is legally prescribed.

Requirements on the Polish Side — GIF and Polish Legislation

In Poland, the import of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances by a private individual is governed by the Act of 29 July 2005 on Counteracting Drug Addiction. A controlled medicine imported for personal use in a quantity up to a 90-day supply, on a medical prescription, is generally permitted — but possession of the prescription and possibly a medical certificate is required.

The Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate (GIF) publishes guidelines on importing medicinal products from abroad at: gov.pl/web/gif/przywoz-produktow-leczniczych-z-zagranicy. Before travelling, contact GIF if you have doubts about a specific preparation.

Check the specific medicine on gov.uk and GIF before bringing it in — a breach risks a fine or confiscation.

Veterinary Medicines and Other Substances — Special Cases

Veterinary medicines are subject to separate import regulations. If you are bringing medicines for pets (e.g. for your dog), animal health and veterinary requirements may apply — independently of human medicine rules. Check on the Chief Veterinary Officer's website (gov.pl/web/glw) before travelling.

Dietary supplements purchased in the UK are generally available without customs restrictions (they are not classified as medicines). Exception: if a supplement contains a controlled substance (e.g. DHEA, certain prohormones) — it may then be treated as a medicine and require documentation. If in doubt, ask a pharmacist or GIF before travelling.

How to Carry Medicines in Your Luggage Correctly — Practical Tips

Even if your medicines are fully legal and you are not exceeding any limits, a few simple steps will make crossing the border quicker and without complications. The rules are the same whether you cross by road, air or rail. A customs officer has the right to ask about the contents of your luggage and request documents.

Documents Worth Having With You

When transporting medicines, it is advisable to have: (1) original packaging with a label and leaflet — showing the name of the medicine, composition and manufacturer; (2) a prescription or medical certificate for prescription medicines — in the original or as a copy; (3) a translation of the medical certificate into English and/or Polish (recommended for controlled medicines); (4) a Home Office licence (if applicable — controlled medicines, supply of more than 3 months).

If you are travelling by air — do not pack controlled or prescription medicines in checked baggage. Keep them in your hand luggage, with you. If you are travelling by car or bus across the Polish-Ukrainian / Polish-Belarusian border (this does not apply to the PL-EU border) — you may encounter more restrictive customs controls when passing through areas outside the EU.

What Are the Consequences of Bringing Medicines Without the Required Documents

Importing controlled medicines without a licence or prescription risks: (1) confiscation of the medicine by the customs authority or Police; (2) an administrative fine; (3) in more serious cases — criminal proceedings under the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction or the Criminal Code.

Ignorance of the rules is not an exculpatory circumstance. This also applies when you order medicines by post from the UK to Poland — even stricter rules may apply to postal parcels containing medicines (GIF permit requirements). Check on gov.pl/web/gif before sending or receiving a parcel containing medicines.

This article reflects the legal position as of 2026-04-18. Contact a customs broker before taking any action.

What the current rules say

Medicines for personal use can be brought from the UK to Poland in a quantity of up to a 3-month supply — OTC medicines without special documents, prescription medicines with the prescription on your person. Narcotic and psychotropic medicines require additional permits (Home Office UK + GIF Poland) even for personal use. Check the specific medicine on gov.uk and the GIF website before bringing it in — a breach risks a fine or confiscation.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

How many medicines from the UK can I bring to Poland?

For personal use you can bring up to a 3-month supply. This applies to OTC (over-the-counter) medicines and prescription medicines. For narcotic and psychotropic medicines, additional permits are required — check gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs and GIF before travelling.

Is a UK prescription sufficient to bring medicines to Poland?

Yes, a UK prescription confirms that the medicine is intended for you and is generally a sufficient document for prescription (non-narcotic) medicines in a quantity up to a 90-day supply. It is advisable to keep it with you and not pack it in checked baggage.

Can OTC medicines from the UK be non-compliant with Polish law?

Yes. Some active substances available without a prescription in the UK may have a different status in Poland (e.g. requiring a prescription or not being authorised for sale). Before travelling, check the specific medicine in the GIF register or ask a pharmacist in Poland.

What are the consequences of bringing a controlled medicine without a licence?

Confiscation of the medicine, an administrative fine, and in more serious cases criminal proceedings under the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction. Ignorance of the rules is not an exculpatory circumstance.

Can I order medicines from the UK by post to Poland?

It depends on the type of medicine. OTC medicines are generally permitted in small quantities, but prescription and controlled medicines require a GIF permit. Detailed rules are at gov.pl/web/gif/przywoz-produktow-leczniczych-z-zagranicy — check before ordering.

Official sources

• Travelling with controlled drugs — GOV.UK — GOV.UK
• Importing medicinal products from abroad — GIF — gov.pl
• Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate — home page — gov.pl
• Customs duty and imports — podatki.gov.pl — Ministry of Finance
• GOV.UK — Customs duty on goods sent from abroad — GOV.UK