Customs and Importing Medicine in the EU: A Buyer's Guide

Why customs matters when buying online

When a parcel crosses a border, it can pass through customs, where authorities check what is being imported and whether any tax is due. For shoppers this used to mean unexpected charges or delays on delivery. The rules differ between the UK and the EU, and they have changed in recent years, so it is worth understanding what to expect before you order.

Kam4eu ships across the UK, all 27 EU member states and three EEA countries, so we deal with cross-border delivery every day. This guide explains the parts that affect you.

VAT and the IOSS scheme

Since 2021 the EU has used the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) for goods coming into the EU. In plain terms, IOSS lets a seller collect the correct VAT at checkout and remit it to the authorities, rather than leaving the buyer to pay it on arrival.

For you, the benefit is simple: with IOSS the VAT is calculated and handled at checkout, so the price you agree is the price you pay. You should not face a separate VAT bill or a handling fee from the carrier when the parcel arrives. This is how Kam4eu handles EU orders, which removes the most common nasty surprise of cross-border shopping.

What customs may still do

IOSS deals with VAT, but customs authorities can still inspect parcels as part of normal checks. This can occasionally add a little time to delivery, particularly during busy periods. A tracked service helps here, because you and we can see where the parcel is if it pauses in transit.

Medicines have extra considerations

Medicines are treated more carefully than ordinary goods. Different countries have different rules about which medicines can be received by post and in what quantities, and some products may need a prescription locally even where they are sold elsewhere. A few sensible points:

• Check the rules that apply where you live before ordering, as they vary by country
• Order quantities that are reasonable for personal use
• Read the patient information leaflet for any medicine and speak to a doctor or pharmacist about whether it is suitable for you

This is general guidance, not legal advice. If you are unsure about your local rules, the most reliable source is your own national medicines or customs authority.

How Kam4eu helps the process go smoothly

• VAT handled at checkout through IOSS, so no surprise charges on arrival
• Plain, unbranded packaging with the customs information carriers require
• Dispatch within one working day of payment clearing
• Standard delivery in 3–5 working days (free over €110) and express in 1–2 days
• Tracked options so a parcel can be traced if customs inspects it

You can browse what we offer via shop all, including the erectile-dysfunction range, and read more about us on the about Kam4eu page.

The UK and EEA

The UK has its own VAT and customs arrangements separate from the EU, and the three EEA countries we serve each have their own rules too. The principle is the same wherever you are: we aim to handle tax up front and package the parcel so it moves through customs without unnecessary friction. For specifics on timescales and charges, see our FAQ.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.