blog image

    What to Consider When Shipping Medicines and Medical Supplies Internationally

    OCT 21, 2026

    Key Takeaways


    • “Drugs” and “medical supplies” do not all belong to the same product category. Product Classification must be checked to determine whether an item is regulated as a drug, medical device, psychotropic substance, narcotic, or another type of health product.
    • The fact that a shipment can be transported does not mean it can be imported. Carrier Acceptance and Regulatory Approval are separate steps.
    • Some medicines require temperature control, but not all medicines use the same Temperature Range. The product’s and manufacturer’s Storage Conditions must be followed.
    • For commercial imports of medicines into Thailand, check the importer’s authorization status, drug registration status, and requirements applicable to the overseas manufacturer, as relevant.
    • Medical devices are regulated separately from medicines. Import establishments and the applicable product registration category must be checked based on risk classification and relevant laws.


    Medicines and medical supplies are among the product groups that require the most careful Logistics planning because damage is not limited to


    • Broken cartons
    • Lost goods
    • Delivery delays


    It can also result from


    • Incorrect temperature
    • Incomplete Regulatory documents
    • Missing Import Permits
    • Incorrect Product Classification
    • Delays in Customs Clearance
    • Carrier rejection
    • Unsuitable Packing
    • Insufficient Shelf Life
    • Shipments being held at the border


    For products related to healthcare in particular, transportation must consider all of the following together:


    Regulation + Product Quality + Transportation + Customs


    What Products Are Considered Medicines and Medical Supplies?


    The term medical supplies is used broadly in business and does not always refer to a single Regulatory Category.


    Healthcare products can include


    • Medicines
    • Vaccines
    • Biological Products
    • Medical Devices
    • Diagnostic Products
    • Surgical Equipment
    • Disposable Medical Supplies
    • Laboratory Supplies
    • PPE
    • Reagents
    • Healthcare Equipment


    However, each product group may be subject to different laws and regulatory authorities.


    Therefore, before requesting a freight quote, the first question should not simply be


    “How much does it cost to ship medicine?”


    Instead, start with


    “How is this product classified, and what Transport Requirements apply?”


    Why Is Product Classification So Important?


    Because products used in hospitals are not all classified as “medicines.”


    For example:


    • Tablet → May be a medicine
    • Syringe → Medical device
    • Blood Glucose Meter → Medical device
    • Surgical Gloves → May be classified as a medical device under applicable requirements
    • Diagnostic Test Kit → May be an in vitro diagnostic medical device, depending on the case
    • Vaccine → Biological medicinal product
    • Alcohol Solution → Classification depends on its intended use and product type
    • Supplement → A food product, not automatically a medicine


    If the Classification is incorrect, it can also lead to the use of


    • The wrong Permit
    • The wrong HS Code
    • The wrong Customs Procedure
    • The wrong Shipping Documents


    If a Carrier Accepts the Cargo, Does That Mean It Can Be Imported into the Destination Country?


    No.


    Carrier Acceptance and Import Approval are separate matters.


    For example,


    An airline may be able to accept a box of Medical Equipment for carriage.


    However, the destination country may require the Importer to have


    • Product Registration
    • An Import License
    • Establishment Registration
    • Health Authority Approval


    before the goods can be imported.


    Therefore, check these two questions separately.


    Transportation


    Will the Carrier accept this product?


    Regulation


    Does the destination country permit this product to be imported?


    Both requirements must be satisfied.


    What Is Required to Import Medicines into Thailand?


    Commercial imports of medicines into Thailand must comply with the system administered by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA).


    Key requirements include


    • The business must hold the status and licenses required to import or order medicines into Thailand.
    • The medicinal product must have the registration status required by law, unless a specific exemption applies.
    • Depending on the product and circumstances, the overseas manufacturer may be subject to manufacturing-standard assessment or GMP Clearance requirements.
    • Import and Customs Clearance documents must be prepared.


    Therefore, having an overseas Supplier ready to sell does not mean that a Commercial Lot can be imported into Thailand immediately.


    Why Is Drug Registration Important?


    Medicines imported for sale in Thailand generally require verification of their drug registration status.


    The assessment may involve information relating to


    • Quality
    • Efficacy
    • Safety
    • Formulation
    • Manufacturing
    • Specifications


    depending on the product type and the requirements of the Thai FDA’s Drug Control Division.


    Importers should therefore verify the Registration Status before Booking the Shipment.


    The Cargo should not be dispatched first with registration procedures started afterward.


    How Are Overseas Manufacturers’ GMP Standards Relevant?


    For medicines manufactured overseas, imports into Thailand may be subject to assessment of the foreign manufacturer’s Good Manufacturing Practice standards under Thai FDA criteria.


    Before entering into a Business Agreement, check whether the Manufacturer can provide the necessary Regulatory documents.


    Having a


    GMP Certificate


    does not automatically mean that it will be accepted in every country or for every Procedure.


    The requirements of the responsible authority must be checked.


    Can Unregistered Medicines Be Imported?


    It is not appropriate to conclude that unregistered medicines can never be imported or that they can be imported freely in all cases.


    The law may provide exemptions or specific procedures for certain purposes, subject to conditions set by the relevant authority.


    However, the correct Procedure must be followed.


    Do not describe goods as


    Sample


    or


    Not for Sale


    merely to avoid Registration Requirements.


    Customs and the Thai FDA will assess the actual circumstances of the Shipment.


    Are Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Subject to the Same Procedures as Ordinary Medicines?


    No.


    Products containing


    • Narcotics
    • Psychotropic Substances
    • Controlled Substances


    may be subject to additional laws and authorization systems.


    These may cover


    • Import
    • Export
    • Quantity
    • Authorized parties
    • Permits


    The Active Ingredient must therefore be checked carefully.


    Do not rely solely on a commercial product name that identifies the item as


    Medicine


    How Do Medical Devices Differ from Medicines?


    Medical Devices have their own Regulatory System.


    Examples include


    • Syringes
    • Catheters
    • Surgical Instruments
    • Blood Pressure Monitors
    • Patient Monitors
    • Diagnostic Equipment
    • Test Kits
    • Implants
    • Medical Software


    Classification depends on the applicable definition and Intended Use.


    For commercial imports into Thailand, check


    • Import establishment requirements
    • Product Registration
    • Risk Classification
    • Product-specific requirements


    An import license for medicines should not be used in place of the requirements for medical devices, or vice versa.


    What Must Medical Device Importers Prepare?


    Businesses planning to import medical devices commercially must check that their import establishment registration is complete before proceeding with product registration under the current criteria.


    Products may be subject to different authorization pathways, such as


    • Notification Certificate
    • Detailed Notification Certificate
    • License


    depending on the product type and risk classification.


    Do not assume that


    “All Medical Supplies are the same”


    and use the same set of documents for every Product.


    Why Is Medical Device Risk Classification Important?


    Medical devices are classified according to their level of risk.


    Low-risk products and items such as


    • Implants
    • Life-support Devices
    • Certain Diagnostic Devices


    do not have the same Regulatory Requirements.


    Before placing an Order, prepare clear information on


    • Intended Use
    • Product Description
    • Manufacturer
    • Model
    • Technical Specifications
    • Classification


    What Should Be Checked When Exporting Medicines and Medical Supplies from Thailand?


    In addition to Thai requirements, the regulations of the destination country must also be checked.


    These may include


    • Import License
    • Product Registration
    • Importer of Record
    • Health Authority requirements
    • Customs
    • Labelling
    • Language
    • Batch Documentation


    Requirements differ from one destination country to another.


    A medicine registered with the Thai FDA is not automatically authorized for sale in


    • The USA
    • The EU
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • Singapore


    Do All Medicines Require Cold Chain Logistics?


    No.


    This is a common misconception.


    Each Product has its own Storage Conditions.


    Some products may require


    • Controlled Room Temperature
    • Refrigerated Storage
    • Frozen Storage
    • Deep-frozen Storage


    or other specific conditions.


    The decision must be based on information from the


    • Manufacturer
    • Product Label
    • Stability Data
    • Regulatory Specifications


    Do not set a Temperature Range based only on a general assumption about the product category.


    If a Product Is Labelled 2–8°C, Must This Range Be Maintained Throughout the Shipment?


    If the Product Requirements specify that the item must be transported and stored within this range, the Logistics Plan must be designed to maintain the required temperature in accordance with the product conditions.


    The entire journey must be considered:


    Pickup → Warehouse → Airport → Aircraft → Transit → Customs → Delivery


    Temperature control is not limited to the time spent on the aircraft.


    Risk points often occur during


    • Loading
    • Unloading
    • Customs Holds
    • Transfers
    • Ramp Handling
    • Waiting Time


    An End-to-End Process must therefore be designed.


    What Is a Temperature Excursion?


    A Temperature Excursion is an event in which a product’s temperature falls outside its specified range.


    For example,


    A product must be stored under a specified Temperature Condition.


    However, during Transport, the temperature may be


    • Higher than specified
    • Lower than specified


    This is considered an Excursion.


    An Excursion does not automatically mean that the product must be discarded in every case.


    The responsible Quality team or Manufacturer must assess the event based on


    • Temperature
    • Duration
    • Stability Data
    • Product Specifications


    before deciding whether the product remains suitable for use.


    A Logistics Provider should not make a Product Quality decision based solely on the temperature reading.


    What Is a Data Logger Used For?


    A Temperature Data Logger records temperature during Transportation.


    It can help determine whether a Shipment experienced


    • A Temperature Excursion
    • Prolonged Exposure
    • Unexpected Conditions


    Before shipping, clearly establish


    • Which Logger model will be used
    • Where it will be placed
    • Who will start it
    • Who will stop it
    • Who will download the data
    • What to do if an Excursion is detected


    Simply placing a device inside a box without a supporting Process is not enough.


    Can a Data Logger with a Battery Be Carried on an Aircraft?


    The Device Specifications must be checked.


    Some Temperature Loggers use Lithium Batteries.


    The following must therefore be considered:


    • Battery Type
    • Configuration
    • Rating
    • Carrier Requirements


    Do not assume that a small device is exempt from Transport Regulations.


    How Should Packaging for Medicines Be Selected?


    Packaging must be suitable for the Product Requirements.


    As a general principle, it can be divided into the following categories.


    Secondary / Protective Packaging


    Helps protect against


    • Impact
    • Breakage
    • Compression
    • Leakage


    Temperature-controlled Packaging


    Used for Temperature-sensitive products.


    Options may include


    • Passive Packaging
    • Active Containers


    depending on the Product, Duration, and Route.


    Packaging selection should not be based solely on flight time.


    Allow for


    • Pickup
    • Customs
    • Transit
    • Delays
    • Delivery


    as well.


    What Is Passive Packaging?


    Passive Packaging is a system that maintains temperature using materials such as


    • Insulated Boxes
    • Gel Packs
    • Phase Change Materials
    • Dry Ice, where applicable


    It does not use an electrically powered cooling system like an Active Container.


    Performance depends on


    • Packing Configuration
    • Ambient Temperature
    • Duration
    • Coolant
    • Qualification


    Do not substitute an ordinary foam box for Qualified Packaging for a Pharmaceutical Shipment without an appropriate assessment.


    What Is an Active Container?


    An Active Temperature-controlled Container uses an internal system to control temperature, such as


    • A Battery-powered System
    • A Compressor
    • Heating / Cooling Technology


    depending on the Container Type.


    It may be suitable for Shipments requiring a high level of Temperature Control and whose value or risk profile justifies the solution.


    However, check the following before Booking:


    • Availability
    • Route
    • Airline Compatibility
    • Pre-conditioning
    • Battery
    • Return Logistics


    Can Dry Ice Be Used to Ship Medicines?


    It can be used for certain Products and Temperature Requirements.


    However, Dry Ice is classified as


    Dangerous Goods for air transport


    because it is Carbon Dioxide, Solid.


    The following must therefore be checked:


    • Quantity
    • Packaging
    • Ventilation
    • Marking
    • Labelling
    • Air Waybill Information
    • Airline Requirements


    in accordance with the applicable rules in force.


    Do not add Dry Ice to a box and send it as General Cargo without declaring it.


    Are Medicines Themselves Considered Dangerous Goods?


    Not all medicines are.


    The Composition and Physical Properties must be checked.


    Examples of products that may have additional DG Requirements include


    • Alcohol-based Products
    • Flammable Liquids
    • Compressed Gas
    • Chemical Reagents
    • Dry Ice used as a Refrigerant


    Therefore,


    Drug Regulation


    and


    Dangerous Goods Regulation


    are separate matters.


    A product may comply with drug regulations while still requiring a DG declaration for Transportation.


    When Is an SDS Required?


    A Carrier or Forwarder may request an SDS, particularly for products involving


    • Chemicals
    • Reagents
    • Alcohol
    • Flammable Materials
    • Unknown Compositions


    An SDS helps assess


    • Hazard Classification
    • Flash Point
    • Transport Information
    • UN Number, where applicable


    However, having an SDS does not mean that a product is approved as a medicine or medical device, and it cannot replace a Regulatory Permit.


    Suggested Internal Link: What Is an SDS / MSDS? An Important Document for Shipping Chemicals and Dangerous Goods


    What Precautions Apply to Reagents and Laboratory Products?


    Laboratory products vary widely.


    They may include


    • Diagnostic Reagents
    • Chemical Reagents
    • Biological Materials
    • Medical Device Components


    Therefore, check all of the following before Shipping:


    • Regulatory Classification
    • Chemical Hazards
    • Temperature
    • DG
    • Packaging


    The product name


    Laboratory Reagent


    alone is not sufficient to assess Freight Requirements.


    Can Biological Materials Be Shipped Like Ordinary Medicines?


    Not always.


    Certain Biological Products or Biological Substances may have


    • Temperature Requirements
    • Biological Risks
    • Special Packaging
    • Dangerous Goods Classifications


    that differ significantly from those of ordinary tablets.


    Check the Product Details before Booking.


    Is Air Freight Suitable for Medicines and Medical Supplies?


    Air Freight is commonly used for Healthcare Cargo because it offers


    • Fast Transit
    • Suitability for high-value goods
    • Reduced Transportation Time
    • Various Temperature-controlled Solutions


    However, the Airline and Route must be selected based on their actual ability to meet the requirements.


    Do not choose solely based on the lowest-priced Flight.


    Is a Direct Flight Always Better Than Transshipment?


    A Direct Route can reduce the number of Handling Points in many cases.


    However, it is not always the better option if


    • Ground Handling cannot support the requirements
    • Cold-room facilities are unavailable
    • The Schedule is unsuitable
    • Destination Facilities are not ready


    Route Selection should consider all of the following together:


    • Transit Time
    • Handling Points
    • Temperature Facilities
    • Airline Capability
    • Backup Flights


    Can Sea Freight Be Used to Ship Medicines?


    It can be used for certain Products, especially those that


    • Have sufficient Shelf Life
    • Are not urgent
    • Have a high Volume
    • Can be accommodated within the required Temperature Conditions


    Where temperature control is required, suitable equipment such as a Reefer Container may be used, depending on the Requirements.


    However, the longer Transit Time compared with Air Freight and the risks associated with the following must also be considered:


    • Port Delays
    • Customs Holds
    • Power Supply
    • Container Operations


    Can Road Freight Be Used for Healthcare Cargo?


    Yes, on suitable Routes.


    For Temperature-sensitive Cargo, check


    • Vehicle Qualification
    • Temperature Monitoring
    • Pre-cooling
    • Door Opening
    • Border Clearance
    • Driver / Operator Procedures


    Cross-border Shipments can experience varying waiting times at borders.


    Suggested Internal Link: What Is Cross-border Transportation? Which Types of Goods Are Suitable for Cross-border Road Freight?


    What Documents Are Required to Ship Medicines and Medical Supplies?


    The actual documents vary by product and country, but may include


    • Commercial Invoice
    • Packing List
    • Air Waybill / Bill of Lading
    • Export Declaration
    • Import Declaration
    • Import License
    • Product Registration
    • Regulatory Approval
    • Certificate of Analysis, where applicable
    • Certificate of Origin, where applicable
    • SDS, where applicable
    • Temperature Instructions
    • Batch Information
    • Expiry Information
    • Manufacturer Documents
    • GMP-related Documents, where applicable


    Do not use one checklist for every Healthcare Product without checking its Classification.


    What Should a Commercial Invoice Include?


    The goods should be clearly described, with details such as


    • Product Name
    • Generic / Technical Description, as appropriate
    • Dosage Form, where applicable
    • Strength, where applicable
    • Quantity
    • Unit
    • Value
    • Currency
    • Manufacturer
    • Country of Origin
    • Importer
    • Incoterms


    Avoid using only a broad description such as


    Medical Supplies


    when the Shipment contains several product types.


    Why Is the Batch Number Important?


    Many medicines and Healthcare Products must be traceable to a Batch / Lot.


    Batch information is useful for


    • Inventory
    • Quality Control
    • Recalls
    • Customs / Regulatory purposes
    • Expiry Management


    The Packing List or Supporting Documents should therefore allow each Shipment to be linked to its Batch as required by the Product Requirements.


    How Does the Expiry Date Affect Logistics?


    A Shipment with limited remaining product life may cause problems even if Transportation itself is possible.


    An Importer or Hospital may require a minimum remaining Shelf Life under its Policy or applicable Regulations.


    Therefore, check the


    Remaining Shelf Life


    before Booking.


    Do not only check whether


    “the product has not expired yet.”


    Why Is FEFO Suitable for Medicines?


    Products with Expiry Dates are often best managed using the principle of


    FEFO – First Expired, First Out


    This means products with the earliest expiry dates should be prioritized for release from Stock.


    It helps reduce the risk of


    • Expired Inventory
    • Write-offs
    • Product Waste


    particularly in Warehouses holding multiple Batches.


    Suggested Internal Link: What Are FIFO, LIFO, and FEFO? Inventory Picking and Stock Management Principles for Different Products


    How Do Customs Delays Affect Medicines?


    For general goods, a Customs Delay may mean additional costs.


    For a Pharmaceutical Shipment, it may also affect


    • Product Quality
    • Temperature
    • Shelf Life
    • Coolant Duration
    • Delivery Appointments


    Pre-clearance Planning should therefore be prioritized.


    Prepare the following before Cargo Departure:


    • HS Code
    • Permit
    • Importer Details
    • Regulatory Documents
    • Customs Broker


    Do Medicines and Medical Supplies Use the Same HS Code?


    No.


    Healthcare Products fall under multiple HS Code headings.


    Classification must take into account


    • Product Type
    • Composition
    • Function
    • Dosage Form
    • Intended Use


    Even two types of Medical Devices may fall under different tariff classifications.


    The HS Code affects


    • Duty
    • VAT
    • FTA Eligibility
    • Customs Requirements
    • Statistical Classification


    Do not assign the same Code to every item simply because it is described as


    Medical Equipment


    Can Medicines and Medical Supplies Benefit from FTAs to Reduce Customs Duty?


    Potentially, for certain HS Codes, if


    • An FTA applies between the countries involved
    • The Product Origin meets the applicable rules
    • The Tariff Schedule grants preferential treatment
    • Valid Proof of Origin is available


    However, Thai FDA requirements and Product Registration obligations still apply.


    An FTA that reduces Customs Duty does not mean that


    Regulatory Requirements are waived.


    Suggested Internal Link: What Is an FTA? How Can It Reduce Import and Export Duties?


    What Should Be Considered When Packing Medicines and Medical Supplies?


    Assess the product’s


    • Fragility
    • Temperature Requirements
    • Light Sensitivity
    • Moisture Sensitivity
    • Orientation
    • Sterility
    • Leakage Risk


    Products such as


    • Glass Vials
    • Ampoules
    • Diagnostic Equipment
    • Sensitive Instruments


    may require additional protection against Shock and Vibration.


    For sterile products, Logistics Packaging must not damage the Primary Packaging or Sterile Barrier.


    Suggested Internal Link: How to Pack Goods for International Shipping: 5 Ways to Reduce Damage During Transportation


    Should High-value Goods Have Cargo Insurance?


    Cargo Insurance should be considered.


    Medicines and Medical Equipment can have a high value per Shipment.


    Damage may involve more than


    • Loss
    • Breakage


    and may also involve Temperature Excursions.


    However, coverage differs by Insurance Policy.


    Check whether the Policy covers losses arising from


    • Temperature
    • Delays
    • Equipment Failure
    • Handling


    Do not assume that standard Cargo Insurance covers every type of incident.


    Suggested Internal Link: What Is Cargo Insurance? What Does International Cargo Insurance Cover?


    What Should You Consider When Choosing a Logistics Provider?


    For Healthcare Cargo, do not evaluate a provider solely on the


    Freight Rate


    Check capabilities such as


    • Experience with Healthcare Cargo
    • Temperature Handling
    • DG Capability
    • Customs Support
    • Route Planning
    • Warehousing
    • Tracking
    • Contingency Planning
    • Documentation
    • Communication


    A lower rate with a Route involving several additional Handling Points may create greater Risk for Sensitive Products.


    What Is CEIV Pharma?


    CEIV Pharma is a pharmaceutical logistics certification program developed by IATA to improve the handling of Pharma Cargo across the Air Cargo Supply Chain.


    It may apply to organizations such as


    • Airlines
    • Ground Handlers
    • Freight Forwarders
    • Airport-related Operators


    CEIV Pharma certification can be one factor in assessing a provider’s Capability.


    However, it does not mean that every type of Shipment must always use a provider with this Certificate.


    The actual Product and Supply Chain Requirements must be considered.


    Is an SOP Needed for Pharma Shipments?


    For Shipments with stringent Requirements, clearly defined Processes should be in place.


    These may cover


    • Booking
    • Pickup
    • Packing
    • Temperature Monitoring
    • Warehousing
    • Handover
    • Customs
    • Delivery
    • Excursion Handling


    For Shipments requiring quality controls, the parties involved may need to establish


    • SOPs
    • SLAs
    • Quality Agreements


    as appropriate.


    Why Is a Contingency Plan Important?


    A Healthcare Shipment should have a response plan before problems occur.


    Examples include


    • Flight Cancellations
    • Customs Holds
    • Missed Connections
    • Delays
    • Packaging Duration Approaching Its Limit
    • Temperature Excursions
    • Failed Deliveries


    Determine in advance


    who makes the decisions and what actions must be taken


    rather than trying to find a solution only after the Cargo is stranded at the Airport.


    Steps for Planning International Shipments of Medicines and Medical Supplies


    Step 1: Check Product Classification


    Clearly identify whether the product is a


    • Drug
    • Medical Device
    • Biological Product
    • Healthcare Supply
    • Controlled Product


    Step 2: Check Regulatory Requirements


    Review the requirements of both


    • The origin country
    • The destination country


    Step 3: Check the Importer / Exporter


    Confirm that the parties responsible hold the necessary Licenses or Registrations.


    Step 4: Check Product Registration


    Do not dispatch the Cargo before the applicable Regulatory Status is ready.


    Step 5: Check Storage Conditions


    Obtain this information directly from the Manufacturer.


    Step 6: Check DG Status


    Review the


    • Product
    • Refrigerant
    • Battery
    • Dry Ice
    • Chemicals


    Step 7: Select Packaging


    Choose packaging suitable for the


    • Product
    • Temperature
    • Route
    • Duration


    Step 8: Select the Transport Route


    Compare


    • Air
    • Sea
    • Road


    including Direct and Transit options.


    Step 9: Prepare Customs Documents


    Check that the information across all documents is consistent.


    Step 10: Develop a Contingency Plan


    Prepare for possible Delays or Exceptions.


    Information to Provide to a Forwarder Before Requesting a Quote


    Prepare the following information:


    • Product Name
    • Product Type
    • Photos
    • Quantity
    • Number of Cartons
    • Dimensions
    • Gross Weight
    • Value
    • HS Code, if available
    • Country of Origin
    • Origin / Destination
    • Manufacturer
    • Storage Temperature
    • Shelf Life
    • Batch / Lot, where applicable
    • DG Status
    • SDS, where applicable
    • Battery details, where applicable
    • Dry Ice Requirements
    • Regulatory Status
    • Required Delivery Date


    If the DG status is unknown, provide the composition for assessment. Do not guess and declare the goods


    Non-DG


    without verification.


    Common Mistakes When Shipping Medicines and Medical Supplies


    • Referring to all products as Medical Supplies
    • Failing to check Product Classification
    • Confusing Drugs with Medical Devices
    • Having a Supplier ready to sell while the Importer lacks the required License
    • Shipping before Product Registration is ready
    • Dispatching Cargo before the required Permit is issued
    • Applying the Temperature Range of another product
    • Failing to inform the Forwarder of Storage Conditions
    • Using a cool box without assessing the total journey duration
    • Failing to use a Data Logger when required
    • Failing to declare Dry Ice
    • Not checking the battery in a Logger
    • Not providing an SDS for Chemicals / Reagents
    • Using an HS Code supplied by the Supplier without verification
    • Failing to check Remaining Shelf Life
    • Not arranging a Customs Broker
    • Choosing a Route based only on Freight Rate
    • Having no Contingency Plan for Flight Delays


    Checklist Before Booking Medicines and Medical Supplies


    Before shipping, check that


    • Product Classification is correct
    • Importer / Exporter requirements are met
    • Licenses are ready
    • Product Registration is ready
    • HS Code has been checked
    • Import Permit is ready, where applicable
    • Storage Conditions are clear
    • Temperature Requirements are clear
    • Packaging has been selected
    • Packaging Duration is sufficient
    • DG Status has been checked
    • Dry Ice will be declared, where applicable
    • Batteries have been checked
    • SDS is ready, where applicable
    • Batch / Expiry information is ready
    • Sufficient Shelf Life remains
    • Customs Documents are ready
    • The Airline / Carrier has accepted the Shipment
    • Destination Facilities can support the Shipment
    • A Contingency Plan is in place


    Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Medicines and Medical Supplies (FAQ)


    Do All Medicines Require Cold Chain Shipping?


    No. Each product has different Storage Conditions. Use information from the Manufacturer, Product Label, and Specifications as the primary reference. Do not set the temperature based only on the product category.


    Do Medical Devices Use the Same Import License as Medicines?


    No. Medicines and Medical Devices are regulated under different systems. Check the establishment requirements and Product Registration for Medical Devices separately.


    Can Medicines Be Shipped Internationally by Air?


    Many types can be shipped by air, but Regulatory Requirements, Airline Acceptance, Temperature Conditions, and Dangerous Goods status must be checked before Booking.


    Can Dry Ice Be Used to Ship Medicines?


    It can be used for suitable products, but Dry Ice is classified as Dangerous Goods for Air Transport. It must be packed, marked, labelled, and declared in accordance with the applicable requirements.


    If a Product Has Thai FDA Approval, Does That Mean It Can Be Shipped Immediately?


    Not necessarily. Transport Requirements, Customs, Importer requirements, Carrier Acceptance, and the requirements of the destination country must also be checked.


    International Shipping Services for Medicines and Medical Supplies with CPL INTER


    CPL INTER provides international transportation services through the following modes:


    • Air Cargo
    • Sea Freight LCL
    • Sea Freight FCL
    • Road Freight
    • Cross-border Transportation


    Related services include


    • Pickup
    • Packing
    • Warehousing
    • Shipping Documents
    • Customs Clearance
    • Delivery


    subject to the Service Scope and type of Shipment.


    For Healthcare products such as


    • Pharmaceutical Products
    • Medical Devices
    • Medical Supplies
    • Diagnostic Products
    • Laboratory Products
    • Healthcare Equipment


    send the details for review before Booking, especially


    • Product Name
    • Product Classification
    • Photos
    • Specifications
    • Quantity
    • Dimensions
    • Gross Weight
    • Storage Conditions
    • Temperature Requirements
    • SDS, where applicable
    • DG Status
    • Battery / Dry Ice details, where applicable
    • Country of Origin
    • Origin and destination countries
    • Regulatory Status


    This information helps assess the relevant Route, Mode of Transport, Packaging, and Customs Requirements before the Cargo is dispatched.


    Requirements for medicines, medical devices, controlled substances, Temperature-sensitive Healthcare Cargo, and Dangerous Goods may vary according to the product, country, Carrier, and applicable laws. Always verify the current requirements for the specific Shipment before proceeding.


    Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
    LINE: @cplinter


    Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international freight transportation and customs clearance, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.

    Other Blog