Why Choose Verified Online Pharmacies?

Peer-reviewed studies, based on testing of prescription medication and online pharmacy practices, strongly demonstrate the safety of ordering medications from an international online pharmacy approved in the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program. Utilizing an international online pharmacy has been proven to save patients a great deal of money thereby increasing access and adherence to prescribed medicines. 

However, not all online pharmacies meet the same safety standards. To avoid risks, stay informed, watch for warning signs, and rely on PharmacyChecker’s resources to ensure a safe and seamless experience.

Benefits of Shopping at Verified Online Pharmacies

• Significant Cost Savings

Comparing drug prices online can reduce your medication costs by as much as 90%. Lower drug prices in other countries, lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar pharmacy operations, and competitive pricing from online discount pharmacies contribute to these savings. With PharmacyChecker.com, you can easily compare prescription prices to find the best deal.

• Privacy and Anonymity

Many people value the discretion offered by online pharmacies. They allow you to consult pharmacists and manage prescriptions from the comfort of your home. However, it's crucial to choose websites with robust privacy policies to protect your personal information. Through the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program, our team verifies these policies to ensure your data stays secure when shopping with PharmacyChecker-accredited pharmacies.

• Convenience

For those with busy schedules, limited mobility, or who live in rural areas, online pharmacies eliminate the need to visit a physical location. Many also offer reminders for prescription refills, helping you stay on track with your treatment plan.

• Access to Reliable Medical Information

Trusted online pharmacies provide access to detailed information about medications, diseases, and links to reputable resources like government agencies, health associations and universities.

Risks of Shopping at Unverified Online Pharmacies

Shopping from online pharmacies that lack proper credentials can lead to serious consequences. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Non-Delivery or Scams

Some rogue sites take your money without delivering your order. Others may fabricate additional charges, such as fake customs fees, leaving you with significant financial losses.

• Unsafe Medications

Ordering from questionable sources may result in receiving counterfeit or substandard medications. These can include unregistered products (medications not approved by local regulatory authorities) or contaminated drugs (products containing harmful substances or incorrect doses, leading to severe health risks, including death).

• Counterfeit Sophistication

Online counterfeiters are becoming more advanced, particularly with popular medications, such as Adderall and Ozempic. They often mislead consumers about the safety and legality of their products.

• Unlicensed Pharmacies

Pharmacies without proper licensing or oversight can sell dangerous products. A prescription requirement is a critical safety check. PharmacyChecker ensures listed accredited online pharmacies adhere to strict licensing and safety standards.

• Inadequate Privacy Protections

Websites without clear privacy policies may misuse your personal and financial information. Always ensure secure transactions and review privacy policies.

• Hidden Costs and Pricing Tricks

Some online pharmacies add unexpected fees or advertise low prices that change after purchase. PharmacyChecker strives to publish accurate, transparent drug price comparisons among online pharmacies and discount coupon offerings.

• Restricted and Controlled Medications

Beware of sites offering to sell controlled substances, such as hydrocodone or Xanax, without a prescription. Similarly, restricted drugs like Accutane or Thalomid require medical supervision and should only be purchased through regulated channels.

How PharmacyChecker Can Help

PharmacyChecker verifies and accredits online pharmacies based on rigorous safety standards, which include requiring valid prescriptions, confirming licensure, and accurate marketing claims. If you’re unsure about an online pharmacy, explore our Pharmacy Verification Portal or Rogue Pharmacy Websites list or contact us directly. We’re here to help you make informed choices.

Safely Find More Affordable Medicine

Rely on PharmacyChecker to compare prices, verify safety, and protect your health when shopping for medications online.

PharmacyChecker Advocacy on Drug Prices

High prescription drug prices in the United States are not just an economic burden—they are a full-blown public health crisis. Each year, tens of millions of Americans forgo necessary medications due to cost, leading to worsening health conditions, avoidable hospitalizations, and, in some cases, death. Many individuals are forced into impossible choices between taking essential medicines, paying rent, or buying food for their families.

Unaffordable prescription drugs are inaccessible prescription drugs. Period.

At PharmacyChecker, our core mission is to empower consumers by providing transparent and reliable information about affordable and safe prescription medication options. We verify and monitor online pharmacies worldwide, ensuring patients have comprehensive information about lower-cost, high-quality medicines from legitimate sources. While Americans often find lower prices for brand-name drugs in Canada and other countries, generic medications are frequently more affordable in the U.S. 

Overall, PharmacyChecker’s verifications of online pharmacies and drug price comparisons help alleviate the crisis of high drug prices for individuals by providing people with useful information to better afford prescribed treatments given the current climate. 

PharmacyChecker is recognized in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) as a trusted resource for identifying reputable online pharmacies that provide high-quality prescription drugs at lower prices. According to JAMA, international online pharmacies stand out as a vital option for patients requiring expensive brand-name drugs, particularly when domestic options remain unaffordable.

Prescription Justice: Systemic Solutions to the Drug Price Crisis

While personal drug importation through online pharmacies provides immediate relief, it is not a long-term solution to the broader problem of exorbitant pharmaceutical costs in the United States. Recognizing this, Gabriel Levitt, co-founder of PharmacyChecker, launched Prescription Justice in 2015. This non-profit organization focuses on policy-driven solutions to address high drug prices, including:

• Allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices to lower costs for millions of seniors and disabled Americans.
• Ending patent abuse by pharmaceutical companies that block competition and delay the release of lower-cost generics.
• Enabling safe prescription drug importation to provide consumers with lawful and affordable options.

Prescription Justice unites advocates, policymakers, and everyday Americans in the fight for sustainable drug price reform. Join the fight to lower drug prices. Visit www.prescriptionjustice.org to take action today.

Online Access & Personal Drug Importation

At PharmacyChecker, our advocacy is centered on protecting online access to safe, lower-cost prescription medications. This requires:

• A Free and Open Internet – Patients across the world must have the ability to safely purchase necessary medications from verified international online pharmacies. Efforts to restrict access to lower-cost medicines online only worsen the affordability crisis and – in turn – public health outcomes.
• Fair and Sensible Federal Policies – Government policies should not prevent constituents from obtaining the medications they need, particularly when they are priced out of the domestic market.

Consumers deserve a choice when it comes to their medications and should enjoy the commonsense systems and competition the Internet has fueled across all industry sectors.

However, an open Internet does not mean a lack of safeguards. PharmacyChecker is deeply committed to consumer safety, ensuring patients do not fall victim to rogue online pharmacies that may sell counterfeit, adulterated, or substandard medications. 

Rigorous testing and analysis from independent studies have repeatedly confirmed that patients receive lawfully manufactured, high-quality medicine when orders are placed with online pharmacies accredited through the PharmacyChecker Verification Program. 

In contrast, unverified drug-selling websites present real risks to consumers. Websites that are not accredited or credentialed by reputable organizations are more likely to sell counterfeit or otherwise substandard drugs.

A Nonpartisan Fight for Patient Rights

The issue of affordable, accessible medication is not political—it is a fundamental right that impacts people across all demographics and political affiliations. In the United States, lowering drug prices is a nonpartisan issue that draws consumers from across the country who are quite literally sick of skyrocketing, unaffordable drug prices. When local drug prices become unaffordable, consumers’ online access to lower-cost medications in other countries becomes a critical lifeline.

While personal importation of prescription medication from foreign pharmacies is technically considered illegal, the U.S. government does not prosecute individuals for doing so—because doing so would be unconscionable. Policymakers must acknowledge that this practice, when done safely, is a lifeline for many Americans. To that effect, the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program plays a valuable role in advocating for and protecting the safety of consumers.

PharmacyChecker recognizes and appreciates the critical work of RxRights, an advocacy group that fought tirelessly to protect Americans' rights to access affordable medication online before ceasing operations in 2017. PharmacyChecker was part of the RxRights coalition, which rallied Americans to defend their own right to affordable medication, including by ordering it online and importing it for personal use.

Do you have a personal story about struggling with high drug prices? We encourage you to share your experiences by emailing us at yourstories@pharmacychecker.com.

Global Public Health and Human Rights

At PharmacyChecker, we believe that no individual—regardless of nationality or income level—should be denied the medicine they need to live a healthy life.

The fight for affordable medication extends beyond the United States—it is a global public health issue and, in many perspectives, a human rights concern. Around the world, particularly in developing countries, millions lack access to life-saving medicines due to cost barriers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ten million deaths could be prevented each year if access to safe, effective, and affordable medications were improved. Governments, international organizations, and healthcare providers must prioritize policies that ensure equitable access to essential treatments.

In 2016, Gabriel Levitt wrote a CircleID article, “Protecting Online Access to Safe and Affordable Medication” describing how drug companies have strategically extended their regulatory capture of U.S. laws to the Internet, which is detrimental to patients who need more affordable medicines. 

In 2017, Gabriel Levitt led a panel discussion at RightsCon Brussels, a conference that focuses on issues relating to human rights and the Internet, such as freedom of expression, curbing violent extremism, and privacy and data protection. The panel, titled "Online Access to Affordable Medications: Applying Human Rights Law to Cyber Rule-Making,” discussed the importance of, and threats to, online access to safe and affordable medication. 

The panel included Jeremy Malcolm, Electronic Frontier Foundation; Andrew Goldman, Knowledge Ecology International; Burcu Kilic, Public Citizen; Paul Zickler, Canadian International Pharmacy Association, and Gabriel Levitt, PharmacyChecker. As Levitt wrote on PharmacyChecker Blog, “We came together to push back against the pharmaceutical industry’s attempts to control what is and is not permissible on the Internet when it comes to medication sales and the importation of prescription drugs for personal use.”

Their efforts ultimately led to the creation of The Brussels Principles On the Sale of Medicines Over the Internet, the world’s first set of principles on the sale of medicines using the Internet, with human rights and access to healthcare as guiding values. Contributing drafters include Gabriel Levitt and Shivam Patel, PharmD, BSPS, RPh, then Director of Pharmacy Verification at PharmacyChecker.

The next year, at RightsCon Toronto 2018, academics Aria Ilyad Ahmad, the Balsille School of International Affairs and Dr. Jillian Kohler, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy led the panel to thoroughly review the 2017 output, strengthen, and finalize the Brussels Principles.

At PharmacyChecker, we remain committed to advocating for policy changes, supporting independent research, and fostering international cooperation to make medications more affordable and accessible worldwide.

Understand the Global Threat of Counterfeit Drugs

Counterfeit drugs present a significant risk to global public health, with their prevalence varying notably across regions. Counterfeit drugs – or falsified drug products – deliberately misrepresent their identity, composition, or source. These products are created and distributed with the intent to deceive consumers for financial gain.

In countries with stringent pharmaceutical regulations—such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States—the occurrence of counterfeit drugs within legitimate supply chains is relatively rare. Robust regulatory frameworks, comprehensive distribution controls, and effective enforcement mechanisms in these nations substantially reduce the likelihood of counterfeit medications reaching consumers through licensed pharmacies.​

Conversely, in low- and middle-income countries, the issue of counterfeit drugs is more pronounced. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least 1 in 10 medical products in these regions are substandard or falsified, leading to serious health risks, treatment failures, and even death. This prevalence is attributed to factors such as limited regulatory infrastructure, weaker enforcement, and restricted access to affordable medications. Furthermore, countries collectively spend an estimated $30.5 billion (USD) annually on substandard and falsified medical products, underscoring the significant economic impact of this issue.

The Online Pharmacy Landscape and Consumer Safety

The rise of online pharmacies over the past decades has certainly introduced additional challenges in combating substandard and falsified drugs. Consumers worldwide must exercise caution, as the risk of receiving counterfeit medication increases when purchasing from unverified online sources, particularly those operating without proper licensing or accreditation. The PharmacyChecker Verification team cautions that these risks are especially pronounced when websites conceal their location, fail to require a valid prescription, or offer significantly discounted prices on brand-name drugs.​

Counterfeit drugs can take several forms, including:​

• Products with no active ingredient, rendering the drug ineffective
• Products with the wrong ingredients, incorrect dosages, or dangerous contaminants
• Medications with authentic ingredients but fake or misleading packaging
• Drugs that have been tampered with or stored improperly

The WHO reports that substandard and falsified medical products are often sold online or in informal markets, further complicating efforts to ensure medication safety.

Consumers can significantly mitigate these risks by using online pharmacies that are properly credentialed and subject to regular oversight. Independent studies have shown that credentialed websites—such as those accredited by PharmacyChecker—consistently deliver genuine, properly formulated medications. Hundreds of medication orders placed through such sites have been tested and found to be legitimate.

Peer-reviewed studies provide substantial evidence confirming the safety of properly credentialed online pharmacies. These resources offer detailed insights into the challenges posed by counterfeit medications and the strategies being implemented worldwide to combat this pressing public health issue.​

Resources

• "In Whom We Trust: The Role of Certification Agencies In Online Drug Markets" (2013) – Examines how third-party certification influences the safety and reliability of online drug purchases.​
• "Web Pharmacies: A Field Study of Ciprofloxacin and Atorvastatin" (2017) – An empirical analysis of the quality of two widely used medications purchased online.
• “Assessing Website Pharmacy Drug Quality: Safer Than You Think?”
• WHO Fact Sheet on Substandard and falsified medical products (2024) – Comprehensive information on the scope of counterfeit drug problems and global responses.

Intellectual Property Rights in the Global Pharmaceutical Industry

Intellectual property (IP) protections, namely patents, play a central role in the global pharmaceutical industry. These laws determine how long a pharmaceutical company can maintain exclusivity to manufacture and sell a drug before generic versions can enter any particular market. However, the length and strength of IP protections vary widely by country, with significant implications for drug prices, access to medicine, and international trade.

United States: Hatch-Waxman Act and Data Exclusivity

In the United States, under the Hatch-Waxman Act, patents typically provide 20 years of protection from the date of filing. Additionally, the Act grants data exclusivity (5 years for new chemical entities, 12 years for biologics). These protections can be extended further through mechanisms like patent term extensions and pediatric exclusivity, potentially delaying generic competition. 

The accumulation of such protections, often termed "patent thickets," often convolutes and extends how long a blockbuster brand reigns supreme in the United States, barring patients from access to more affordable generics. An Initiative for Medicines, Access, and Knowledge (IMAK) report concludes “Overpatented, Overpriced” that these abusive patent practices are permitted by law and that the United States “will not solve the drug pricing problem until we solve the drug patent problem, and the time has come for patent reform.”

Resources:

• FDA: Frequently Asked Questions on Patents and Exclusivity
• IMAK: “Overpatented, Overpriced: Curbing patent abuse: Tackling the root of the drug pricing crisis” 

In stark contrast to the United States, other countries grant shorter or more flexible patent terms.

India: Post-TRIPS Compliance and Anti-Evergreening Measures

India began recognizing pharmaceutical product patents in 2005, aligning with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. To prevent "evergreening" – the practice of obtaining patents for minor modifications of existing drugs – India incorporated Section 3(d) into its definition of what does not constitute an “invention” in The Patents Act, 1970. This provision restricts patents on new forms of known substances unless they demonstrate enhanced efficacy:

“the mere discovery of a new form of a known substance which does not result in the enhancement of the known efficacy of that substance or the mere discovery of any new property or new use for a known substance or of the mere use of a known process, machine or apparatus unless such known process results in a new product or employs at least one new reactant. Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, salts, esters, ethers, polymorphs, metabolites, pure form, particle size, isomers, mixtures of isomers, complexes, combinations and other derivatives of known substance shall be considered to be the same substance, unless they differ significantly in properties with regard to efficacy;”

This clause has played a pivotal role in rejecting patent claims deemed to offer no meaningful therapeutic benefit. A notable case is Novartis AG v. Union of India & Others, where the Supreme Court rejected a patent for a modified cancer drug, “Glivec,” reinforcing Section 3(d)’s intent to curb abuse of the patent system.

Resources:

• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Strong IP laws prevent so-called “evergreening” of patents to enhance access to TB drugs in India
• Intellectual Property of India: The Patents Act, 1970

European Union: Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs)

The European Union (EU) grants patents for 20 years, with the possibility of extending protection through Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs). SPCs can add up to five years of exclusivity, compensating for time lost during the regulatory approval process. An additional six-month extension is available if the drug has been tested for pediatric use.

Resources:

• European Commission: Supplementary protection certificates for pharmaceutical and plant protection products

Intellectual Property Protections Across the World

Many countries grant patents for shorter periods or apply broader flexibilities than the United States. Brazil also adheres to a 20-year patent term but actively uses compulsory licensing, especially in public health emergencies. For example, Brazil issued a compulsory license for an HIV drug in 2007 to improve affordability. In countries like Thailand or South Africa, shorter patent periods and active use of compulsory licensing provisions have allowed earlier access to generics. 

General IP Rights Resources:

To find out more about and differing perspectives on intellectual property rights, see the following websites:

• World Intellectual Property Organization: Offers comprehensive coverage of international IP developments, treaties, and statistics
• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Provides analysis on digital rights and IP law, focusing on how they intersect with civil liberties
• South Centre: Focuses on IP and access to medicines, particularly in developing countries
• Knowledge Ecology International (KEI): Advocates for access to knowledge and monitors IP policy impacts on public health and innovation
• IPKat Blog: A well-regarded blog offering updates and commentary on IP law developments, primarily in Europe but also internationally

If you are curious about any country we haven’t detailed here, please send an inquiry to info@pharmacychecker.com.

International Pharmacy Regulations

When purchasing medication from a foreign country, it’s essential to understand how the dispensing pharmacy is regulated and licensed by relevant governing authorities. In choosing to import medicine from abroad, consumers should use good judgment and carefully assess the pharmacies and countries they trust for their medications. PharmacyChecker verifies pharmacy licenses across various countries and, in cases where regulatory oversight is deemed insufficient, inspects pharmacies to ensure adherence to quality standards.

Decades ago, upon PharmacyChecker’s founding, most non-U.S. pharmacies selling prescription drugs to Americans were Canadian. However, rising demand for affordable prescription medications, coupled with supply challenges faced by Canadian international pharmacies—largely due to restrictive practices by drug manufacturers— led to more pharmacies in other countries entering the market. Dispensing pharmacies and wholesalers from countries such as Australia, India, Israel, Italy, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom play an increasingly significant role in meeting this demand. Today, consumers from across the world use PharmacyChecker.com’s information to compare costs across countries. To help consumers make informed decisions, we provide an overview of the regulatory agencies and laws governing the pharmacies participating in the PharmacyChecker (PC) International Pharmacy Verification Program (IPVP) in the section labeled “PharmacyChecker Network of Dispensing Pharmacies & Wholesalers.”

Advanced Pharmaceutical Regulatory Systems

PharmacyChecker defines Advanced Regulatory Authorities (ARA) as a health regulatory authority recognized as operating under the most advanced systems of pharmaceutical and pharmacy regulations. Countries with the most advanced and reliable pharmaceutical regulatory systems typically include the following: 

Drug Approval and Monitoring

• An agency that evaluates scientific evidence from clinical trials before approving drugs for the national market.

• Post-market surveillance to track unforeseen effects of drug use.

Prescription Drug Standards

• National laws and guidelines for proper labeling, storage, and distribution of prescription medications.

Pharmacy Regulation

• A national and/or state/provisional system(s) for regulating pharmacies that ensures:
  • Pharmacy practitioners receive top-level education and rigorous training.
  • Safety standards for the handling and dispensing of medications are upheld.
  • A doctor’s prescription is required for drugs with potentially serious side effects.
  • Regular inspections of pharmacies to ensure compliance.

Drug Manufacturing Laws

• Regulations requiring all approved drugs to be manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Tier 1 & Tier 2 International Pharmacies

All PharmacyChecker-accredited online pharmacies (tier 1 and tier 2) are verified for compliance with PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program Accreditation Standards. To ensure continued compliance, PharmacyChecker verifies online pharmacy credentials and practices on a regular basis. PharmacyChecker knows that some patients and their clinicians would prefer to order medication from a pharmacy located in a country known to have the most advanced systems of pharmaceutical and pharmacy regulations. To meet this need, online pharmacies that only process orders dispensed from such countries are marked with the Tier 1 icon: ^{Tier 1}

Currently, PharmacyChecker-accredited online pharmacies with the ^{Tier 1} icon only fill prescription orders through their own pharmacy or dispensing pharmacy partners located in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

PharmacyChecker-accredited pharmacies and wholesalers that fill, dispense and/or distribute medication from a country or region under the oversight of an Advanced Regulatory Authority (ARA) are considered Tier 1 pharmacies. PharmacyChecker-accredited pharmacies and wholesalers that fill, dispense and/or distribute medication from a country or trade zone without the oversight of an ARA are considered Tier 2 pharmacies. We define ARAs and expand on the idea of Approved Global Manufacturers, defined as pharmaceutical companies with (1) product(s) approved by at least one ARA; and/or (2) manufacturer site(s) registered with at least one ARA, in Policy 16-05 Distributing & Dispensing Pharmaceutical Products Internationally.

PharmacyChecker considers the following in maintaining its proprietary lists of Advanced Regulatory Authorities (ARAs):

1) The emerging list of World Health Organization’s Listed Authorities (referred to as WLAs) that have Medicines listed as a product stream, a transparent and evidence-based pathway for regulatory authorities operating at an advanced level of performance to be globally recognized, thereby replacing the procurement-oriented concept of stringent regulatory authorities. This list also includes several of the regulatory authorities’ functions, which consist of regulatory GMP inspection and licensing establishments.

PharmacyChecker reviews updates to the WHO Listed Authorities (WLAs) and may revise ARA status based on significant improvements in regulatory oversight.

2) According to Section 802 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) codified into Title 21, Chapter 9, Subchapter VIII—Imports and Exports, of the United States Code (21 U.S.C. § 382), a drug is considered eligible for export should it possess valid marketing authorization by the appropriate authority. The FDCA includes a list of eligible countries and territories for the export of a drug or medical device. That list includes Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, the European Union or a country in the European Economic Area (the countries in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association).

As of January 2025, PharmacyChecker considers the below ARAs. Tier 1 pharmacies are located in countries and/or regions with ARAs. Tier 2 pharmacies are located in countries that do not achieve the ARA designation. Should you have questions or comments regarding our list of ARAs, please email sealprogram@pharmacychecker.com.

Advanced Regulatory Authorities (ARAs):

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (United States of America)
• Health Canada - Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) (Canada)
• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (United Kingdom)
• European Medicines Agency (EMA) - The EMA oversees EU-wide approvals, but individual countries still have their own agencies.
• Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)
• New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) (New Zealand)
• Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic) (Switzerland)
• South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) (South Africa)
• Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (Austria)
• Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (Belgium)
• Bulgarian Drug Agency (Bulgaria)
• Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices of Croatia (Croatia)
• Ministry of Health — Pharmaceutical Services (Cyprus)
• State Institute for Drug Control (Czech Republic)
• Danish Medicines Agency (Denmark)
• State Agency of Medicines (Estonia)
• Finnish Medicines Agency (Finland)
• National Agency for the Safety of Medicine and Health Products (France)
• Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Germany)
• National Organization for Medicines (Greece)
• National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition (Hungary)
• Icelandic Medicines Agency (Iceland)
• Health Products Regulatory Authority (Ireland)
• Italian Medicines Agency (Italy)
• State of Israel Ministry of Health (Israel)
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare/Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PDMA) (Japan)
• State Agency of Medicines (Latvia)
• Office of Health / Department of Pharmaceuticals (Liechtenstein)
• State Medicines Control Agency (VVKT) (Lithuania)
• Ministry of Health – Division of Pharmacy and Medicines (Luxembourg)
• Medicines Authority (Malta)
• Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (Netherlands)
• Norwegian Medicines Agency (Norway)
• Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate (Poland)
• National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed) (Portugal)
• National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (Romania)
• Health Sciences Authority (HSA) (Singapore)
• State Institute for Drug Control (SIDC) (Slovakia)
• Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (JAZMP) (Slovenia)
• Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) (South Korea)
• Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) (Spain)
• Medical Products Agency (Sweden)

PharmacyChecker Network of Dispensing Pharmacies & Wholesalers

The PharmacyChecker Network currently consists of Tier 1 dispensing pharmacies and/or wholesalers located in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. They may ship domestically and/or internationally.

The PharmacyChecker Network currently consists of Tier 2 dispensing pharmacies and/or wholesalers located in India, Turkey, Mauritius, and the United Arab Emirates. They may ship domestically and/or internationally. Regular onsite inspections are required of Tier 2 dispensing pharmacy participants.

Online pharmacies may only work with dispensing pharmacies accredited in the PC IPVP.

Tier 2 dispensing pharmacies may only work with wholesalers accredited in the PC IPVP.

Historically, PharmacyChecker has also accredited and monitored pharmacies and/or wholesalers located in Singapore and Israel. The program is open to pharmacies located across the globe granted they meet – and demonstrate continued compliance with – our stringent pharmacy standards. We provide an overview of those countries’ regulatory systems below.

United States – ARA – Tier 1 Pharmacy Location

The United States has one of the most comprehensive and stringent systems for regulating drug products and pharmacies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the approval and regulation of all drugs sold within the country, ensuring they meet strict safety, efficacy, and quality standards. The FDA's responsibilities include:

• Approving new drugs based on clinical trial evidence,
• Monitoring drug safety through post-market surveillance, and
• Enforcing compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Pharmacies in the U.S. are regulated at the state level by State Boards of Pharmacy, which license and inspect pharmacies and pharmacists. To operate, pharmacies must:

• Be licensed by the state board in their respective state,
• Employ licensed pharmacists who meet rigorous educational and training standards, and
• Comply with safety requirements for drug storage and dispensing.

Additionally, pharmacies dispensing controlled substances are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prevent misuse and ensure proper handling.

The U.S. has historically been known as a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, home to many of the world’s largest drug manufacturers. Its strong regulatory framework ensures that prescription medications are among the safest and most reliable globally. However, due to the high cost of medications, it’s well known that many Americans explore international options for affordable prescriptions.

Useful Links:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Canada – ARA – Tier 1 Pharmacy Location

Canada's pharmaceutical regulatory systems closely resemble those in the United States. The Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD), an agency of Health Canada, regulates the national drug supply and serves as Canada's counterpart to the U.S. FDA. All drug products sold in Canada must be approved by the TPD.

Pharmacies in Canada are regulated at the provincial level, similar to how U.S. states oversee pharmacies. To operate, a pharmacy must:

• Be licensed by the provincial pharmacy authority,
• Be managed by a licensed pharmacist, and
• Meet strict standards for storing and dispensing medications.

A 2003 report for the State of Illinois found that pharmacies in Manitoba were as safe as, if not safer than, those in Illinois. It also confirmed similarities in drug safety and efficacy standards between the U.S. and Canada.

Useful Links:

• Health Canada
• Report: “Feasibility of Safely Purchasing Drugs from Canadian Pharmacies”
• National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA)

United Kingdom – ARA – Tier 1 Pharmacy Location

The United Kingdom’s drug supply is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which oversees the approval, safety, and distribution of medicines across England, Scotland, and Wales. Through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the UK assesses the cost-effectiveness of medicines for use within the National Health Service (NHS). On a national level, pharmacists and pharmacies are registered with and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The Council issues an online seal for its registered pharmacies to place on their websites for those pharmacies that wish to do so. The Home Office, a ministerial department of the UK government responsible for domestic security, immigration, law enforcement, and drug policy, regulates controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The MHRA oversees:

• Drug Approval & Licensing: The MHRA conducts independent reviews for new drug approvals. However, it has a "Reliance Route" that allows fast-tracking of certain European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved drugs.
• Manufacturing Standards: All drugs must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure quality and safety.
• Pharmacy & Distribution Oversight: The GPhC regulates pharmacy operations, while the MHRA oversees drug wholesalers and supply chains.
• Post-Market Surveillance: The Yellow Card Scheme collects reports of adverse drug reactions, ensuring ongoing monitoring of medication safety.

Useful Links

• Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
• The European Medicines Agency
• NICE (Drug Cost & NHS Approvals)
• General Pharmaceutical Council
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

Australia – ARA – Tier 1 Pharmacy Location

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates drugs, using standards similar to the European Union (EU). Pharmacies and pharmacists are registered at the state level, with state boards federated under the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, which provides policy guidance and ensures safe practices.

Key facts about Australia’s pharmacy industry:

• Over 80% of pharmacies are part of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which supports members in workplace issues, training, and negotiations with the government and industry stakeholders.
• Pharmacies must comply with stringent national and state regulations to ensure drug safety and effectiveness.

Useful Links:

• Therapeutic Goods Administration
• Pharmacy Guild of Australia
• Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

New Zealand – ARA – Tier 1 Pharmacy Location

New Zealand’s drug supply is regulated by Medsafe (New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority), which oversees drug approvals, post-market surveillance, and pharmacy licensure under the Medicines Amendment Act 2003. Pharmacies in New Zealand meet standards comparable to those in Canada, the U.K., and the U.S.

Professional pharmacy standards are supported by:

• The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand, which provides education and training, and career development.
• The Pharmacy Council, the national licensing authority.

Useful Links

• Medsafe
• Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand
• New Zealand Pharmacy Council
• Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand
• Australia and New Zealand: Recommended Expansion of the Illinois Personal Importation Program

Israel – ARA

Israel’s drug supply, pharmacies, and pharmacists are regulated by the Pharmacology Department of the Ministry of Health. Pharmaceutical regulations are aligned with U.S. and EU standards. To become a pharmacist in Israel, one must meet stringent education, training, and testing requirements.

Key regulations in Israel include:

• Drugs must be manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),
• Most approved drugs are also approved in the U.S. or EU, and
• Drug labels must be in Hebrew and English.

Useful Links

• Israeli Ministry of Health – Pharmaceutical Administration

Singapore – ARA

Singapore is among the most economically developed countries, one with exceedingly strong regulations in all industry sectors, on par with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the countries that comprise the EU. Singapore has very high pharmacy and pharmaceutical regulatory standards under its Health Sciences Authority (HSA), a division of the Ministry of Health.

Pharmacies in Singapore are licensed at the national level by the HSA and must meet stringent standards before licensure is granted. Pharmacies must be under the management of a licensed pharmacist registered with the Singapore Pharmacy Council. Among other requirements, safe dispensing equipment and storage facilities, requisite professional reference materials, and an adequate system for record keeping are all checked before a pharmacy is licensed in Singapore.

Drug approval is managed by the Therapeutics Products Division, which uses an expedited process for drugs already approved in the U.S., EU, and Australia. 

Useful Links

• Health Sciences Authority (Registration of Pharmacies)
• Singapore Pharmacy Council
• Therapeutic Products Division

Following a thorough investigation, PharmacyChecker revoked accreditation of Sinaporean dispensing pharmacies in its International Pharmacy Verification Program (IPVP) in 2020, concluding that the export climate is not optimal for online pharmacies within the PharmacyChecker Network to rely on Singaporean dispensing partners to ship prescription orders in a timely manner that consistently ensures patient safety and prescription drug therapy adherence.

India – Tier 2 Pharmacy Location

Pharmacies in India are subject to onsite inspections and wholesalers relationships are monitored through mandatory accreditation in the PC International Pharmacy Verification Program. Both are audited to ensure they only work with Approved Global Manufacturers per Policy 16-05 Distributing & Dispensing Pharmaceutical Products Internationally.

India’s Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO), a division of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, oversees drug approval, regulation, and pharmacy licensure. Under the CDSCO, the Drugs Control Administration enforces pharmacy licensure standards and inspects pharmacies through state drug control offices, also called Food and Drug Administration offices. The Drug Control Administration enforces the Pharmacy Act of 1940, which requires pharmacies to meet rigorous safety standards.

Pharmacies in India must:

• Employ licensed pharmacists,
• Maintain safe storage conditions for all medications, especially those like insulin, and
• Safeguard controlled substances.

India has a very large and highly sophisticated pharmaceutical industry. In fact, a sizable portion of the world's pharmaceutical active ingredients and finished products are manufactured in India. These ingredients and finished products are then exported to other countries such as the U.S. and the EU for the manufacture of final drug products or sale of finished products in local pharmacies.

Many drugs are manufactured in FDA-approved or inspected facilities, though in general regulatory enforcement in India is less stringent compared to the United States and other advanced regulatory authorities. Consequently, it has a higher rate of counterfeit and substandard medication. Routine PharmacyChecker onsite inspections, in addition to frequent remote audits, help minimize risks by verifying safe practices among Indian pharmacies that partner with international online pharmacies.

Useful Links:

• Central Drugs Standards Control Organization
• Pharmacy Council of India

Mauritius – Tier 2 Pharmacy Location

In Mauritius, international mail-order pharmacies operate within a free trade zone and must comply with all pharmacy regulations in Mauritius promulgated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Requirements include:

• Employing licensed pharmacists to oversee the dispensing process;
• Ensuring prescription-only dispensing, and
• Meeting strict sanitary and safety standards in the dispensing area.

The National Pharmacovigilance Committee in Mauritius was established in December 2011 and Mauritius became a full member of the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring in 2014. It functions to manage and address any potential safety and quality issues that could arise from the use of health products marketed in Mauritius. ​ ​

While pharmacies operating in a Mauritius free trade zone are subject to the same requirements of licensed pharmacies in the home jurisdiction, they import prescription products outside the national drug supply. For approval in the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program, international mail-order pharmacies must undergo regular onsite inspections by PharmacyChecker and can only import from licensed wholesale pharmacies based in countries with strong pharmaceutical regulations per Policy 16-05 Distributing & Dispensing Pharmaceutical Products Internationally.

Useful Links:

• Mauritius Ministry of Health and Wellness

Turkey – Wholesaler Location

The Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TMMDA) is a member of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), along with 52 other health authorities including the U.K and the U.S., ensuring adherence to international GMP standards. The mission of the PIC/S is to develop strong Good Manufacturing Practices and pharmaceutical standards that are common to countries worldwide. 

Key pharmacy regulations in Turkey:

• Pharmacies must employ licensed pharmacists and maintain sanitary dispensing areas.
• Drugs must be approved by the Ministry of Health.

As guided by The Law of Pharmaceutics and Medical Products, drugs sold in Turkey must be approved by a division of the Ministry of Health, called Drugs and Pharmacy General Management, which is Turkey's counterpart to the U.S. FDA. The process for drug approval is administered by the Advisory Commission for the Registration of Medicinal Products for Human Use, a Commission of the Ministry's Scientific Advisory Board. The Commission is comprised of pharmaceutical research experts, clinicians, a pharmaceutical technologist, a pharmacologist, and a Ministry of Health representative.

However, unregistered generic products remain a problem, particularly in rural and the eastern region of the country, and, as such, PharmacyChecker (PC) has not historically permitted pharmacies from such areas to participate in its program. In the past, PharmacyChecker accredited dispensing operations in Ankara and Istanbul.

In 2024, the WHO released a list of national regulatory authorities that have not quite reached WLA status. The list includes medicines approved by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK), reaching a maturity level of 3, meaning “stable, well-functioning and integrated regulatory systems.” Should Turkey’s regulatory maturity level advance to full WLA status, PharmacyChecker will reassess its eligibility for ARA designation.

Following a thorough investigation, PharmacyChecker revoked accreditation of Turkish dispensing pharmacies in its International Pharmacy Verification Program (IPVP) in January 2025, concluding that the export climate is not optimal for online pharmacies within the PharmacyChecker Network to rely on Turkish dispensing partners to ship prescription orders in a timely manner that consistently ensures patient safety and prescription drug therapy adherence.

Some warehouses in Turkey are licensed as exporters and exported products may not be approved for retail sale within Turkey. Wholesale warehouses in Turkey that partner with Tier 2 dispensing partners located outside of Turkey must maintain accreditation in the PC IPVP.

Useful Links:

• Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health
• Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency
• The Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme Members
• New Drug Approval Procedure in Different Countries: A Review
• The Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency: Comparison of Its Registration Process with Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore

United Arab Emirates Free Zones – Wholesaler Location

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are more than 40 multidisciplinary free zones (FZ). As of 2025, PharmacyChecker (PC) has evaluated and accredited wholesaler operations in the following free zones of Dubai: 

• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), which includes the Jumeirah Lakes Towers
• Dubai CommerCity (DCC) under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ), which also includes with the Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSOA)

In general, each respective FZ has its own rules. Depending on the business and licensed activity, there might be different necessary documents, restrictions, and additional requirements. In the DMCC, for example, some licensed activities may also require third-party regulatory approval. As for the DCC, licensed activities also have to be permitted by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).

PC-accredited Dubai free zone wholesalers have trading licenses with permitted activities for trading in pharmaceuticals. According to Dubai Customs, free zone licensees can import goods from a foreign country. Once in the free zone, the wholesalers are allowed to temporarily store pharmaceutical products in warehouse facilities before re-exporting. 

Before approval in the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program (IPVP), wholesalers must provide applicable free zone and sister company documentation for review.

As free zone companies, these wholesalers cannot conduct business outside the free zone and trade within the UAE. This is also known as extending the business “onshore” or “mainland.” 

If the wholesalers would like to do this, there are several factors to consider, such as trading with specific companies with an import/export license and working with a logistics company. The wholesalers will also need to obtain permission from the respective free zone authority and fulfill additional licensing requirements with the DED. 

For free zone wholesalers to conduct onshore business, UAE legislation applies, including the Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2024 that governs medical products, pharmacists, and pharmaceutical establishments. Obtaining a wholesaler license requires employing a licensed pharmacist for the technical management of the wholesale facility. The exception to this requirement is the wholesaler limiting activity to only medical equipment. The wholesaler also needs to have a medical warehouse and import/export license from The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE).

International Online Pharmacy Savings

High prescription drug prices in the United States continue to place a heavy burden on patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. At PharmacyChecker.com, patients, caretakers, insurance brokers, researchers, clinicians, and advocates rely on our trusted platform to find more affordable options for critical prescription medications.

Consumers can achieve significant, often unbelievable, savings by comparing prices across accredited international online pharmacies on PharmacyChecker.com. Patients achieve over 90% off compared to prices at U.S. pharmacies, even after applying discount coupons. These international pharmacies, accredited through the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program, offer affordable access to brand-name medications that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

The chart below highlights real-world examples of potential savings for a one-month supply of popular brand-name medications:

Sources: U.S. Discount Coupon prices based on available U.S. pharmacy coupon prices on PharmacyChecker.com; International online pharmacy prices based on lowest price among international online pharmacies accredited in the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program. Pricing data updated as of April 2025.

Note: Savings calculations reflect medication costs and potential shipping fees, though many international pharmacies offer low-cost or free shipping options.

Rogue Online Pharmacies

Rogue online pharmacies are websites that deliberately sell counterfeit, substandard, or falsified medications, often without requiring a valid prescription or involving licensed healthcare professionals. These illegal operations may impersonate legitimate pharmacies, advertise brand-name medications, and even display fake accreditation seals. Their tactics intentionally bypass safeguards that exist to protect patients’ health, identity, and financial well-being.

The risks you run by pursuing a suspicious website that is not credentialed through the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program or other reputable program are not hypothetical. Products may contain the wrong active ingredient, the wrong dosage, or harmful contaminants. Financial information entered on such sites is also vulnerable to fraud and theft.

Drugs marketed on rogue pharmacy sites can contain the wrong ingredients, incorrect dosages, or dangerous substances. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around one in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries is substandard or falsified. But the reach of these dangerous products is not limited to national borders, with many sold globally via the internet.

How to Spot a Rogue Online Pharmacy 

Rogue online pharmacies often exhibit the following behaviors:

❌ Do not require a valid prescription

❌ Provide no verifiable contact information

❌ Operate without licensed pharmacists or pharmacy oversight

❌ Sell counterfeit or unapproved medications

❌ Lack secure systems for protecting personal and financial data

Beware of Sham “Online Consultations”

Some rogue pharmacies claim to offer remote consultations with doctors to issue prescriptions. In reality, these are often sham processes, meant to mimic legitimate telehealth services. For rogue pharmacies, the word "consultation" is just window dressing to give the appearance of legitimacy and safety. Be cautious. True telehealth platforms use licensed healthcare professionals, require detailed health histories, and follow standard-of-care protocols. 

► See: PharmacyChecker’s List of Trusted Telemedicine Providers

Fake PharmacyChecker Seals

Fraudulent online pharmacies often misuse the PharmacyChecker Verification Seal to falsely signal legitimacy. If you see a PharmacyChecker seal displayed on a website:

1. Click on the seal image.
2. Ensure it redirects to an accredited pharmacy profile hosted on  https://www.pharmacychecker.com.
3. If you are not directed to a pharmacy profile hosted on www.pharmacychecker.com, then it's a fake seal and you are dealing with a website posing as a legitimate source for prescription medication.

Here’s an example of a legitimate PharmacyChecker Seal and sample profile:

Alternatively, you can utilize the PharmacyChecker Verification Portal. To verify a website is active and approved in the PharmacyChecker Network, type in the name or URL of your online pharmacy. The search result will inform you whether your chosen website is accredited, unaccredited, or rogue. Online pharmacies that are not accredited in the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program are not necessarily rogue online pharmacies or otherwise dangerous. Other trusted online pharmacy certifying programs include the VIPPS program of the National Association of Board of Pharmacy (NABP), LegitScript, the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA), and the European Union’s online pharmacy logo program.

Report a Fraudulent Seal

If you come across a fraudulent seal, please report it to sealprogram@pharmacychecker.com. Consumer reporting greatly aids in our efforts to remove fake seals from rogue sites. Thank you for making the global online medicine marketplace safer

Common Tactics Used by Rogue Pharmacies

• Spam Emails from “Canadian Online Pharmacies”

That spam email in your junk folder that markets a very cheap medication is almost certainly a rogue online pharmacy. Don't click on any links in there! Mark the email as spam and/or delete it permanently.

• Fake Canadian Branding 

Many rogue online pharmacies pretend they are "Canadian pharmacies" when they have no connection to Canada whatsoever. 

• Mismatched URLs

Some rogue pharmacy websites often have a web address that is nothing like the so-called pharmacy name published on its home page. For example, you might see the web address “www.cheapestmedsever45.com” in the address bar that you see at the top of your browser, but they call themselves "Canada Neighborhood Pharmacy." This is almost a sure sign it’s a rogue operation. Steer clear.

PharmacyChecker Helps Consumers Avoid Bogus Pharmacy Websites

The best way to avoid rogue pharmacy sites is to stick with credentialed pharmacies that have been vetted by PharmacyChecker or another recognized authority. In fact, a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that shopping for medication on websites credentialed through PharmacyChecker always yielded genuine medication, while this was not the case with non-credentialed pharmacies.

► Explore: PharmacyChecker’s Sample List of Accredited Online Pharmacies

PharmacyChecker's main mission is to identify safe online pharmacies. Rogue websites can appear overnight and frequently change domains to evade detection. We hope you can use the information we provide to better understand how they work and the characteristics they share so that you and your family can avoid them in your search for affordable medication.

Rogue Pharmacy Websites

We strongly recommend that you do NOT use these websites.

Below are examples of known rogue websites—either currently active or taken down—that have misled consumers worldwide. PharmacyChecker tracks: (1) commonly used rogue pharmacy names, (2) currently active rogue websites, and (3) inactive or decommissioned rogue sites that previously posed risks to consumers. Many rogue online pharmacies are fly-by-night websites that shutdown and then pop back up as a different website. Stay vigilant.

Common Names and Phrases Used by Rogue Websites

• Authentic Steroids
• Canadian Family Pharmacy
• Canadian Neighbor Pharmacy
• Canadian Online Pharmacy
• Canadian Pharmacy
• Men's Health Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Express
• Pharmaoffshore.com
• Toronto Drug Store

Rogue websites that have been active as of January 22, 2025:

• 1-pharm.com
• https://pharmacy-rx-one.com
• https://canadianpharmacystore.net
• Pharmifly (shoptry.cc)
• https://onlinepharmacysample.com
• 24-7Medstore.com
• 24-meds-bb.com
• Abortionrx.com
• awccanadianpharmacy.org
• Cadstorerx.com
• camadapharmacy24rx.com
• Canadapharmacytrust.net
• Canadian-pharmacy-1.com
• Canadianfamilypharmacy.su
• Canadianmedicalpharmacy.com
• Cheap-pharma.com
• Cheap-rx.com
• Cheapedtabs.com
• curingotdeal.com
• Faastpharmacy.com
• https://canadian24houropharmacy.ru/
• i365-pills.com
• Legalmeds.com
• Med-bb.com
• Medbankrx.com
• Medspharm.org
• my-canadianpharmacy.com
• Mycanadianpharmacyrx.com
• Myhealthmeds.net
• mypillsbox.com
• Onlineforyou.net
• Pharmacycheckeronline.com
• pharmaglobalrx.com
• rxcanadapharmacy.com
• Smartfastmd.com
• Supermegenerics.com
• Verified-rx.com
• www.prxonline.com          

Rogue websites that have been inactive as of February 27, 2024:

• 24x7realrx.com
• Adrienreseachchem.com
• Bestmedzonline.biz
• Buyadderallpill.com
• Buysomameds.com
• Canadapharm.net
• CanadaPharmacyService.com
• Canadarxstore.net
• Canadian-generics.com
• Canadian-pharmacies-store.com
• canadianrxmedsonline.com
• Candipharm.com
• Cenfore.cc
• Cheap-pills.com
• Curingcaretrade.eu
• drharrisonline.com
• Fast-isotretinoin.com
• Fortunerweb.su
• Genericxservice.ru
• Globaldiscountpharmacy.com
• Globalglobalshop.su
• Goodnsale.su
• hop.kz/9jfZ
• Itfk.therealweb.su
• ITgZ.stablemysale.ru
• Medsonline365.net
• Mycanadastore.com
• newlifecare.su
• Offshoredrugmart.com.au
• Online-help24.com
• Online-pills.com
• Onlinepainpills.com
• Ourtramadol.com
• ph-discount25.com
• PharmacyCheckerblog.us
• pharmdiscounter.com
• Pharmmyjo.com
• puretabsquality.ru
• referencemedicpharmacy.com
• rxstars.net
• s14sbxsz.genericrxservice.ru
• Starlightpharmacy.com
• TfK.therealweb.su/?trx48
• theralpha.com
• USApainpharma.com
• Wellness247.com

PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program (IPVP)

Established in 2003, the PharmacyChecker (PC) International Pharmacy Verification Program (IPVP) is dedicated to protecting public health by helping patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals identify properly licensed online pharmacies that offer affordable prescription medications.

The program is managed by Ross Phan, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS, a licensed U.S. pharmacist holding active licenses in multiple states, including Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Wisconsin, Louisiana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Arkansas, and Utah. Her broad licensure and experience in pharmacy compliance provides a deep understanding of pharmacy laws, regulations, and practices across jurisdictions.

Pharmacy Types Eligible for PC IPVP Accreditation

The PC IPVP evaluates and accredits a wide range of pharmacies and suppliers to ensure end-to-end compliance with rigorous safety standards—always with the patient’s safety as the top priority.

Online Pharmacies

Online pharmacies are websites that sell prescription medications through an e-commerce platform. Some operate their own dispensing pharmacies, while others work with third-party licensed pharmacies to fill orders—a model often referred to as a prescription referral service. Those third-party licensed pharmacies must also be accredited in the PC IPVP.

Many accredited online pharmacies offer consumers the option to fill prescriptions through their own facilities or via licensed pharmacies in other countries to benefit from lower international prices. Online pharmacies that market prescription drugs domestically or internationally may apply for PC IPVP accreditation. Only once verified are they eligible to list their pharmacy profiles and/or drug prices on PharmacyChecker.com. Accredited pharmacies are subject to ongoing compliance monitoring.

Dispensing Pharmacies

Dispensing pharmacies include walk-in pharmacies; mail-order only pharmacies; pharmacies that fill orders internationally and others only within their own countries. Some PharmacyChecker-accredited pharmacies operate their own websites, while others fill orders for online pharmacies (i.e., prescription referral services).

We break dispensing pharmacies up into two categories: tier 1 and tier 2. Tier 1 dispensing pharmacies are brick-and-mortar pharmacies that fill prescriptions and are located in countries with strong regulatory oversight—such as the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Tier 2 dispensing pharmacies are also licensed to fill valid prescriptions but are located in countries without advanced regulatory systems, such as India, Mauritius, and some free trade zones. As such, tier 2 are subject to stricter auditing within the PC IPVP, especially in consideration of the distribution and dispensing of pharmaceutical products internationally. 

All accredited dispensing pharmacies, regardless of tier, are required to meet the same core safety and quality benchmarks established by the IPVP.

Wholesalers

Wholesalers distribute medications to licensed pharmacies, clinics, and prescribers. hose located in countries without advanced regulatory oversight (e.g., India, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, or free trade zones) and engaged in international distribution must undergo full PC IPVP accreditation. Wholesalers operating exclusively within their home country may be eligible for biennial compliance reviews instead.

PharmacyChecker IPVP Seal of Approval

Pharmacies and online pharmacies must meet strict safety and transparency standards to earn and retain PC IPVP accreditation and the right to display the PharmacyChecker Seal on their websites. Key accreditation requirements include:

• Prescription medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies accredited by PharmacyChecker.
• A valid prescription is required for all prescription drug orders.
• The website meets recognized security standards.
• A clear privacy policy is published on the website.
• Contact information for customer service is prominently listed.
• Pharmacist consultations are available to consumers.
• Medication quantities are limited to a maximum 90-day supply.
• The pharmacy’s location is disclosed prior to purchase.

Some of the ways PC IPVP enforces compliance is through periodic mystery shopping, checking prescription authentication standards of operating procedure, and dispatching pharmacy safety experts to inspect dispensing facilities in Tier 2 regions.

Only pharmacies in good standing with the IPVP may display the PharmacyChecker Seal. Consumers are encouraged to click on the seal before purchasing. A valid seal will link directly to the pharmacy’s verified profile on www.pharmacychecker.com. Seals that do not link to the PharmacyChecker site may be fraudulent.

To learn more, visit our PharmacyChecker Verification Program page

Global Guide to Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Since the early 2000s, millions of patients worldwide — including Americans facing high out-of-pocket costs, individuals living in countries with limited or delayed access to certain therapies, and patients managing rare or complex conditions — have turned to personal prescription drug importation to obtain necessary medications. This practice often involves purchasing prescription medication directly from licensed pharmacies abroad, frequently through online platforms, when equivalent treatments are unavailable, unaffordable, or inaccessible in their home countries. The legality of personal prescription drug importation, particularly when ordering via mail, varies significantly across countries. While national regulatory frameworks differ, the core motivation for patients is often the same: securing safe, effective, and affordable medications that might otherwise be out of reach.

Below is an overview of personal prescription medication importation regulations across several countries. This information is intended to inform individuals seeking to import medications for personal use.

Please note that regulations are subject to change, and it is advisable to consult the official resources provided for the most current information. This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Individuals should consult the relevant regulatory authorities or licensed professionals before importing prescription medications.

United States Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

Personal importation of medications is generally permitted although technically illegal under U.S. law. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exercises enforcement discretion under specific circumstances. 

According to FDA officials, no one has ever been prosecuted for personal drug importation (importing small quantities of medication for personal use). The FDA provides personal drug importation guidelines for its personnel.

While the law allows the FDA and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to detain and refuse international prescription orders arriving through the mail, less than one percent are actually stopped. In these cases, under U.S. law, you will be informed by the FDA that your drug order has been detained or refused and that you are allowed to challenge their decision to take away your medication to try and have it released. To learn how to provide testimony to the FDA if they take your medication, you can go to the Prescription Justice Action Group. The U.S FDA regulates the safety and efficacy of medications sold in U.S. pharmacies. Medications dispensed from outside the U.S. are regulated for safety and efficacy by pharmaceutical and pharmacy regulatory authorities in the relevant country.

Key Personal Import Guidelines

The U.S. government generally does not stop individuals from importing medication for their own use (usually up to a three-month supply of non-controlled medications), however, under most circumstances, it is technically illegal. 

The FDA may permit the importation of non-controlled medications for personal use if:

• The quantity is generally not more than a three-month supply
• The medication is intended for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically.
• The medication is not considered to pose an unreasonable risk.
• The individual affirms in writing that the product is for personal use, provides contact information for the treating physician, or provides evidence that the product is for the continuation of treatment begun in a foreign country.

If a medication is a controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will generally make the decision on whether it is  allowed to be imported for personal use. For those controlled substances that fall under the jurisdiction of both DEA and FDA, the two agencies will coordinate when determining the admissibility of the product. International online pharmacies in the PharmacyChecker International Pharmacy Verification Program are not permitted to market the international sale of controlled substances. 

Resources 

• Personal Importation | FDA
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Listen to Marcia Crosse, PhD, director for the Health Care Team in the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) discuss FDA Oversight of Foreign Drug Safety

Australia Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

Personal drug importation is permitted under the Personal Importation Scheme administered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Key Personal Import Guidelines

• Individuals may import up to a 3-month supply per order of most therapeutic goods for personal use.
• The total quantity imported within a 12-month period must not exceed 15 months' supply.
• For certain medicines (e.g., Schedule 4 or 8 substances), a prescription from an Australian-registered medical practitioner is required.
• The goods must be for personal use or for an immediate family member and must not be sold or supplied to others.

Resources 

• Personal Importation Scheme | TGA

Switzerland Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

In Switzerland, an individual may import medicines corresponding to one month’s supply for personal use.

Key Personal Import Guidelines

• Individuals may import a one-month supply of medications for personal use.
• Importation of controlled substances (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics) is allowed without a permit, provided the quantity does not exceed a 30-day supply and is for personal use.
• Importing larger quantities or for third parties is prohibited and may result in penalties.

Resources 

• Guideline on medicines and the Internet | SwissMedic

Singapore Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

Personal drug importation in Singapore is permitted under specific conditions.

Key Personal Import Guidelines

• Individuals may bring into Singapore up to a three-month supply of personal medications without prior approval, provided the medications do not contain controlled substances, psychotropic substances, or prohibited items.
• Importation of medications containing controlled substances requires prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
• Travelers should carry a valid prescription and ensure that the medications are for personal use or for immediate family members.

Resources 

• Regulations for bringing personal medications into Singapore | HSA 
• Bringing personal medications into Singapore | HSA 
• Submit application for approval to bring in personal medications | HSA

Iceland Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

Individuals are generally allowed to import medicines for personal use into Iceland; however, specific conditions apply.

Key Personal Import Guidelines

• Individuals may import medicines for personal use via mail or parcel delivery in an amount corresponding to 100 days of use, according to the usage guidelines of a doctor or the dosing instructions in the medicine’s package insert.
• Proper documentation, such as a physician’s certificate, original prescription, or pharmacy labeling, must be presented to customs authorities.

Resources 

• Medicines in luggage and postal shipments | Icelandic Medicines Agency 

Denmark Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

Imports for personal use are allowed in certain circumstances, but not more than a quantity corresponding to 3 months of use. The medicine must be legal to sell in the country where it was bought.

However, there is an exception for medicine sent by post. If the medicine is from EU/EEA countries, you can import medicines for personal use, but if it is from any other country outside the EEA, it is illegal to import for private individuals.

Key Personal Import Guidelines

• Individuals may import medicines for personal use, not exceeding a three-month supply.
• The medicine must be legal to sell in the country of purchase.
• Importation of medicines containing euphoriant substances is limited to a 30-day supply and requires documentation, such as a prescription or purchase receipt.

Resources 

Medicines imported from abroad | Danish Medicines Agency

Japan Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

Personal drug importation in Japan is permitted with strict regulations.

Key Personal Import Guidelines

• There is no need for a license for individuals importing or bringing medication into Japan for personal use. 
• Individuals may bring into Japan up to a one-month supply of prescription medications and up to a two-month supply of over-the-counter medications without prior approval.
• Medications imported or brought into Japan for personal use must not be sold or given to others.

When you bring medication into Japan for personal use, depending on the type and amount of the medication, you may have to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (previously referred to as the Yakkan Shoumei).

Resources 

• Importing or Bringing Medication into Japan for Personal Use | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 
• Bringing Medications into Japan | Embassy of Japan in the United States

Canada Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

Personal drug importation is generally prohibited for residents, with limited exceptions.

Key Personal Import Guidelines

• Canadian residents are generally prohibited from importing prescription drugs by mail, courier, or cross-border transport.
• Health Canada may permit residents to import a personal quantity (a 90-day supply or a single course of treatment) of a prescription drug in the following situations: 
  • Canadian residents returning to Canada with prescription drugs that were prescribed and filled in Canada for their use or for use on a person/animal for whom they are responsible. 
  • Canadian residents returning to Canada with prescription drugs for themselves or for an individual or animal under their care and with whom they are travelling, who are continuing a medical treatment that was required to be initiated while abroad. 
  • Canadian residents and visitors to Canada that belong to a foreign-sponsored clinical trial. 
  • Recently landed immigrants or refugees seeking continued treatment.
• Prescription drugs are permitted to be imported by a practitioner, a drug manufacturer, a wholesale druggist, a registered pharmacist, or a resident of a foreign country while a visitor in Canada.
• Residents of Canada and visitors are permitted to bring into Canada a personal use quantity (a 90-day supply or single course of treatment) of an OTC medication, NHP, VHP or a medical device for personal use without requiring specific licences for the import.

Resources 

• Bringing health products into Canada for personal use | Health Canada 

United Arab Emirates Personal Prescription Drug Importation

Legal Status

Personal drug importation in the United Arab Emirates is granted to individuals by way of permit.

Key Personal Import Guidelines

• Residents may obtain approvals to import personal narcotic and psychotropic drugs through shipping companies. 
• A valid prescription and, in some cases, a medical report are required. 
• Prior approval must be obtained through the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) website.

Resources 

• Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use | MoHAP