Customs Seizures of Counterfeit and Unapproved GLP-1 Products
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported seizures of unapproved and counterfeit GLP-1 products entering through international mail and personal shipments.
By the GLP Semaglutide editorial team · Last updated October 8, 2025
As GLP-1 drug demand has grown, so has interest in importing cheaper versions from overseas, and customs authorities have periodically reported seizing shipments of unapproved or counterfeit semaglutide and tirzepatide products.
Why personal importation is risky
Products imported outside FDA-regulated distribution channels haven't been verified for identity, purity, or sterile manufacturing, and personal importation of prescription drugs for non-emergency use generally isn't permitted under federal law except in narrow circumstances.
The legal alternative
Some U.S. state-level drug importation programs exist under specific federal authorization for pharmacy-level bulk importation from Canada, which is a different, regulated process from individual personal importation — worth distinguishing when this topic comes up in the news.
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