Quick summary
- Capsules/tablets: keep original bottle with label. Can go carry-on or checked.
- Powders (creatine, beta-alanine): potes >350ml in checked baggage (may go through secondary inspection in carry-on). Carry 1 small jar carry-on if you want to use it on the flight.
- Liquids / gels: 3-1-1 rule — each bottle ≤100ml, all inside a 1L Ziploc bag (~15–20 40ml gels fit). Rest checked.
- Injectable peptides: only with English prescription, checked. High risk without prescription.
- Sachets (SwissRX, NitroVasc, exogenous ketones): ideal for backpack — pass easily.
- To customs officer: "vitamins and dietary supplements for personal use".
1. Packaging
Biggest mistake: putting everything in daily "pill organizers". Always keep original bottles with legible labels. For compounded products, make sure the pharmacy label has your name and clear composition — helps a lot if questioned at customs.
2. Powders in carry-on
Most international agencies (TSA in the USA, ANAC in Brazil, EU in general) inspect powder containers >350ml (~12oz, size of a soda can) in carry-on baggage.
- Put large jars in checked baggage — no limit.
- If carrying on, put in an easy-access spot to remove from X-ray.
- Powder in clear bag or jar with English label reduces inspection friction.
3. Liquids and gels — 3-1-1 rule
Adopted in almost all airports worldwide (TSA/USA, ECAC/Europe, ANAC/Brazil, UK, Asia):
- 3.4 oz (100ml): each individual gel/bottle ≤100ml.
- 1 quart bag: all inside a clear Ziploc bag de ~1L.
- 1 bag per passenger.
- 15–20 40ml gels fit per bag.
4. Shopping abroad — where and what
- Amazon US / iHerb (international shipping): CoQ10, PQQ, ALA, ômega-3 — much cheaper than in Brazil. iHerb officially ships to Brazil.
- Life Extension (direct site): Resveratrol Elite, NitroVasc, Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer, Neuro-Mag — kits have discount. Ships internationally.
- The Feed (USA): SwissRX, Maurten gels, ketones — deliver to hotels in USA.
- Vital Proteins (Whole Foods/Target in USA, supermarkets in Europe): collagen in individual sachets.
- Holland & Barrett (UK/Europe): European supplement chain with broad availability.
5. Importing to Brazil (on return)
- Accompanied baggage: USD 1,000 exemption (by air). Above that, 50% on the excess.
- Postal package: "Remessa Conforme" program offers exemption up to USD 50 (with enabled companies) or simplified 60% taxation above that.
- Quantity: "personal use" implies reasonable volumes. 30+ potes do mesmo suplemento may raise resale suspicion.
- Anvisa: injectable peptides and medications without Brazilian registration are high retention risk.
6. Pro traveler tip
If bringing a large stock, consider using a forwarding service (Shipito, MyUS, USPS para o Brasil) — you buy online from multiple stores, they consolidate and ship in a single package to Brazil. Reduces shipping cost and simplifies import.