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Paperwork to receive prescription shipped by DHL?

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USAMama

9/16/2016 16:28 EST

Hello kind people, :-)

I'm not an expat--I'm looking for some knowledgeable advice on shipping to Ecuador. Apologies if this isn't an appropriate use of the forum.

I'm trying to ship some prescription medications from the US to my daughter, who is studying abroad in Quito. The very helpful folks at DHL told me that on the receiving end she may need to provide a "sanitary certificate", which can be obtained from the local government (e.g. city hall).

I did a little googling around, and it looks like the "sanitary certificate" is something that seems to be more aimed at commercial importers. It also looks like it costs $650--at which point it's going to be cheaper for me to fly down there and hand carry the package. Or, at least to see if she can get the prescription filled there.

Can anyone advise if the sanitary certificate is truly necessary? Or, is there some less expensive version of this paperwork which is suitable for personal use? I was planning on putting in the prescription along with the medications--would that be sufficient documentation?

Finally, I have the option of either shipping to one of the DHL offices, or having the package delivered to my daughter's host mom's office. DHL said either option would be fine--do any of you have any advice on which of these would be preferable?

Thanks very, very much in advance for any suggestions and guidance.

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OceanHideaway

9/17/2016 22:03 EST

If her host mom´s office receives DHL shipments regularly then use that address, if not then have it delivered at a DHL location, as it is easiest to track to those locations.

A "sanitary certificate" should not be necessary. And at the most, if there is any problem, a presecriptinon in Spanish from a local doctor explaining the need for the medication should suffice (it is sometimes required when shipping through the regular mail service).

Depeding on the medication there may be a tax on this end, how much I can´t say, but just know in advance so you are not surprised by this.

Lastly if there is any problem, there is an 800 number here in Ecuador that your daughter´s host mom can call for assistance 1800 DHLDHL and they can check on the package and get it to the right place if it gets lost in transit.

Welcome to the forum and if you have any questions we have lots of folks areound to help :)

Susan
The Moderator

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cristos7

9/17/2016 23:13 EST

Split her pills into 3 very small plastic zip-lock bags, then place each into a sheet of printed paper, folded like a letter, and each into a light but slightly padded envelope. (9x12, 5x8 and standard #40 with security lining.) MAIL them via the USPS. Do this again in a two weeks, maybe sending half of her Rx via the one way which *worked*; and split the remaining pills for two different mailing options. Be creative and find a sensible way that works.
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DHL is F*CKED - it WILL coast you a fortune, likely cause large headaches, and take forever for the privilege.
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NEVER say you are sending drugs across borders. Or maybe I'm wrong. Good luck.

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