Posting abroad

Re: Posting abroad

Tim Cheyne — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 05:37:18 GMT

Thanks, Lorna. I live in 'Alice in Wonderland' here but these days I forget the words.

Tim.

Re: Posting abroad

Lorna McHardy — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:22:59 GMT

[quote user="Tim Cheyne"]

Was it the Red Queen who said "Words mean whatever I want them to mean."?

[/quote]

Humpty Dumpty.

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less."

I've always liked that one

Re: Posting abroad

Tim Cheyne — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:46:20 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]I would doubt there would be any problem if sent vet to vet.[/quote]

Being reasonable people, Bob, you and I would think and believe that, but 'them' at the other end might not be that reasonable. Was it the Red Queen who said "Words mean whatever I want them to mean."? Regulations can be like that too, and "vet to vet" is unlikely to cut much ice. In many countries expats, especially if white, do not enjoy the status that they did once. I hope that it does go well and I certainly do not see a problem at this end.

Tim.

Re: Posting abroad

Bob Russell — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:19:47 GMT

I would doubt there would be any problem if sent vet to vet. The regulations may not allow it officially but as it is a non-commercial (in the larger sense) transaction the worst that is likely to happen is the item may be impounded subject to 'duty' - official or otherwise.

UK authorities are more likely to be concentrating their resources on fake/unlicenced preparations being imported plus illegal drugs (including bulk cold remedies!).

If it is a one off I wouldn't panic too much. It would be a totally different matter if you were sending it to a final 'consumer'.

Re: Posting abroad

Tim Cheyne — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:12:32 GMT

For what it is worth (probably not very much) official import regulations are on this site.

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/ZW-Zimbabwe-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-summary.htm

However, like many African countries, it is probably more a question of satisfying 'local customs' i.e. 'dashing' hither and thither.

Tim.

Re: Posting abroad

Mark Hedberg — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 22:20:09 GMT

[quote user="Tim Cheyne"]

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]Agreed, which i did ask.[/quote]

Yes, I saw that. When there is an answer we shall probably learn that it is a destination where customs formalities are minimal and almost anything goes.

Tim.

[/quote]

Well, now we know, but I'll confess that I don't know much about Zimbabwe's customs regulations.

Re: Posting abroad

Mark Rowland — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 21:31:47 GMT

It's a suprelorelin implant to Zimbabwe. Will let you know what the VDS say tomorrow. :-)

Re: Posting abroad

Tim Cheyne — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 20:38:58 GMT

[quote user="Malcolm Ness"]Clearly, in this situation, you are not dispensing meds for animals under your care and consequently, I think you might be acting, inadvertently, as a retailer or wholesaler and I believe that there is a licensing requirement for that.[/quote]

Yes, Malcolm, I did point this out earlier but also that in practice very little notice is taken (at this end) of sending small quantities abroad. Rather on the principle of "Don't ask, don't tell" sending, lending or giving products to someone you know and trust is unlikely to be a problem; supplying to an unknown is decidedly risky, BUT for import purposes you might have to supply a (notional) invoice as if from a wholesaler. It all comes back to knowing the mores and morals of the recipient country.

Tim.

Re: Posting abroad

Michael Woodhouse — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 16:40:05 GMT

There is an allowance in the regulations for us to turn over a small % of our turnover in a wholesale capacity to allow us to help colleagues out with shortages etc (IIR it's 5-10% t/o)

Re: Posting abroad

Malcolm Ness — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:09:55 GMT

I think that there MIGHT be another aspect to this.

Clearly, in this situation, you are not dispensing meds for animals under your care and consequently, I think you might be acting, inadvertently, as a retailer or wholesaler and I believe that there is a licensing requirement for that.

No doubt all will become clear when you discuss things with VDS.

Re: Posting abroad

Tim Cheyne — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 14:11:41 GMT

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]Agreed, which i did ask.[/quote]

Yes, I saw that. When there is an answer we shall probably learn that it is a destination where customs formalities are minimal and almost anything goes.

Tim.

Re: Posting abroad

Mark Hedberg — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 10:03:59 GMT

Agreed, which i did ask.

Re: Posting abroad

Tim Cheyne — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 05:30:42 GMT

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]

Depends on how urgent it is and where it is. If it's not a controlled medication, you might see if he has any friends holidaying in the UK and post it to them internally, they can stick it in a carryon bag and bring it in. I used to get selamectin that way in Saudi Arabia. (Not crates of the stuff, just every now and then.)

[/quote]

Yes, Mark, I also have used that method in several countries (even carrying it myself) but regulations and inspection of hand luggage is much more stringent these days. Liquids can be carried up to a certain volume in specified ways, and in some countries any medicine (tablets, vials) is suspect and is held for examination possibly for some time. More information and advice is needed from the intended receiver.

Tim.

Re: Posting abroad

Mark Hedberg — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 22:14:47 GMT

(Just a thought.)

What medication is it?

Re: Posting abroad

Tim Cheyne — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 20:12:01 GMT

[quote user="mariette asselbergs"]So I suppose to be on the safe side arrage an import license on the receiving country's side - this maybe burocratically a nightmare,[/quote]

Very well put, Mariette! It could depend upon whether it comes as a 'personal' parcel (allowed up to a certain value but with some categories excluded) or whether its purpose is deemed 'business' or 'trade'. For the latter (assuming that there is no agent in the area with sole distribution rights) a worst case scenario could involve original packing list, original invoice, certificate of origin (country) stamped by Chamber of Commerce, certificate of 'no-animal' content, original waybill, import licence. On the other hand, with some countries it is easy. It varies so much that the only thing to do is enquire and then follow that procedure. The good courier companies should be able to advise you and they probably have ways to 'facilitate' the import.

Tim.

Re: Posting abroad

mariette asselbergs — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:29:21 GMT

I also have experience with buying cascade drugs through a Belgian vet friend. We get the import license online (in 20 minutes) and make sure that the parcel has a copy of this license. Never a problem. (This is for Gabrovet for treatment of cryptosporidium in lambs). So I suppose to be on the safe side arrage an import license on the receiving country's side - this maybe burocratically a nightmare, or if you know a vet there it maybe very easy.......

Mariette

Re: Posting abroad

Tim Cheyne — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:00:48 GMT

In my experience, at the UK end it is not too much of a problem although in theory you can dispense or prescribe only for animals under your care. The sticking point could be importation at the other end, whether the drug and its use is specifically prohibited in that country and how diligently the authorities check even personal packets. In some countries any tablet or medication is regarded as suspicious until proved otherwise. If, for some reason (liquid, perhaps) the drug appears to contravene postal regulations, enquire of a courier company; they are probably more expensive but likely more helpful and better informed. I think that you need a little more information. If his post has a relationship with UK government find out whether (Oh, hush! ) it can be sent through 'The FCO Bag'.

Tim.