A new U.S. Customs and Border Protection rule could significantly restrict Americans from receiving prescription medications by mail from Canada and other foreign countries beginning October 22, 2026.
The rule would indefinitely suspend the de minimis exemption for certain low-value international mail packages, which previously allowed qualifying shipments to enter the United States without duties. Officials said the measure is intended to collect tariffs and combat the trafficking of fentanyl and counterfeit goods.
More than 70 Democrats and several Florida Republicans have urged the White House to delay the policy, arguing it could undermine access to affordable medicines. Patients are now considering stockpiling medications ahead of the deadline while awaiting further clarification.
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Millions of Americans who buy cheap drugs from Canada could soon lose access when a federal customs rule goes into effect later this month. https://t.co/rnkjtB3AgG
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) October 8, 2026
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