Department of Health Letter - Parcel Inspection

[Aucorium]

I received a letter from the department of health, and I am a little concerened now that it might be illegal to bring in your own juice from overseas. Basically the letter stated that I was importing medicines and that I am not allowed to do that even if there is a similar product to one sold here.

I am guessing the local resellers have the appropriate licenses etc to supply e-liquid or at least in the process of obtaining it from the department of health.

Here is part of the letter:

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A postal article addressed to you and containing an unregistered medicine liable to registration was inspected by a Customs officer on behalf of the Department of Health. The Department of Health inspectors may further check the parcel in terms of section 28 of Act 101. Since the importation of such medicine would be illegal in terms of section 14(1) of The Medicines and Related Substances Control Act (101 of 1965) therefore it will be detained.

Should you in future require treatments with an unregistered medicine, the person wishing to treat you with such medicine should apply to the Medicines Control Council for permission to import such a medicine PRIOR to its importation through the application of a section 21 permit Guidlines relation to the granting of such permission in terms of section 21 of Act 101 of 1965 can be found on the internet website of the Medicines Control Council.

 

[gavin]

This is bad news. Did they sieze your liquid, and where was the order from?

 

[Aucorium]

After receiving the letter I went to collect my parcel, I had assumed it was for a previous parcel. However it was from TW in the UK and contained only LorAnn flvourings, no liquid containing nicotine, in fact each of the bottles had the ingredients written on the side.

On the label on the parcel it had a value of nearly R3,000 written next to it and the instruction to sieze the parcel. I went armed with my PDF from the LorAnn website so that I could prove that it was only flavourings and that I was going to use the flavours for baking cakes & making ice cream and that I couldnt find anybody else to import them from as the flavours were not available locally.

Anyway, I got away with just paying the VAT.

Just a passing thought though, it seems as if the department of health are wising up to the liquids and declaring eliquids medicinal products, similar to what is happening in the UK. This of course could have dire consequences to the local ecig market and availablility.

 

[BartS]

Hi Aucorium,

How long did it take for this letter to arrive from the department of health? I am now waiting for two weeks for a shipment from TW. Unfortunately, mine includes 36mg Juice and a Screwdiver, and I have not heard a word yet. I send a Mail of to TW, to find out how I can try and trace the package, still awaiting reply.

You guys must not get me wrong, but I totally love SA. I think it is one of most beautiful countries with the nicest people in the world. I think we just have some things so screwed up. You can commit a number of serious crimes (including manufacturing your own tik) and get away with it, but just do not try and get rid of your bad tobacco addiction, without paying your heavy dues to the Government’s luxury fund. (Let’s not go there).

Luckily you got your package Aucorium.

 

[Aucorium]

I would think that your package should arrive this week, typically it takes 2 to 3 weeks. Who knows maybe they wont inspect your package.

The problem with e-cigs isnt unique to SA, globally its an issue because nobody quite knows how to handle them yet. There are a lot of stakeholders set to win and loose and I dont think common sense i.e. the wellbeing of smokers is a high consideration, it really boils down to one thing - money.

 

[BartS]

Aucorium, Monday was the beginning of the third week. I got my Post Office slip today Tuesday. I will fetch the package tomorrow. Either you have a lot of experience with this, or you are some kind of a visionary. It seems that SARS was kind to me. I am so exited, I can not wait. Like a kid waiting for a new Toy.