I agree with your DUI analogy. I didn’t know that “not FDA approved” also meant “illegal”. I will continue my research in the gray space and move accordingly.
The issues isn't exactly "not FDA approved"... Peps that ARE FDA approved are on a controlled list. Not to be confused with the heavy stuff, anything prescription, even minor (like antibiotic) is controlled by the US and requried to have either a prescription or whatever paperwork that medical businesses need.
It also applies to bringing in peps/meds with you to or from the US via airplane or driving across the border.
If searched, the customs agent will look at your meds and MAY ask you about a prescription.
Now, they do have the option to ignore the law if everything looks legit and not over 90 day supply because they seem to be afraid to take away people's required medication in front of them, but they can do it because it is a law.
In Austrailia you have to declare if you have medications, if you don't check the box and they search you, they can seize them and fine you no matter Rx or not. I've seen that happen on a customs docu-tv show.
So, you CAN have your GE taken away for something as simple as ordering antibiotics or high mg tylenol from another country, or carrying them across the border without proper paperwork. It mostly depends on if the customs officer feels sorry for you or not.
Most people don't read what we call the fine print, or the laws before they unknowingly commit their crimes, no matter how petty they seem, it's still a law being broken.