Check health regulations before placing your import order

A simple slip and the shipment could be destroyed JOY ORLEK A WARNING has gone out to importers to check Department of Health regulations before placing any orders. Shipments that don’t comply could be impounded and destroyed, as an importer of Belgian chocolates discovered recently when his entire load went up in smoke because its ingredients were not listed in English. “We all know that there’s no problem with quality when it comes to Belgian chocolates, but unless the shipment complies with Department of Health regulations, it can’t be admitted,” says Department of Health official Irma Heesen, who is based at OR Tambo International Airport. “If a consumer is allergic to certain ingredients, he must be able to check in English what is contained in the product. “A number of children, for example, are allergic to tartrazine, and this must be clearly stated on the label in a larger type.” Ignorance can be very costly, says Heesen, and problems are preventable with a little knowledge. “Labelling must be in English, and in the case of foodstuffs we need a list of ingredients, nutritional information, directions for use where applicable, expiry date and an address. “With vitamins and supplements we look at ingredients and claims being made on the labels. We then decide whether they need to go for a call up notice with the Medical Control Council (MCC). “The same applies to cosmetics. A number contain Schedule 4 ingredients which means they need a call up notice even though they’re not medications.” Human remains also require an import permit and the paperwork must be in English. “If the agent produces the correct paperwork, the goods are released more quickly.” There are however no all-encompassing blanket rules. “Every product is different – we need to look at the ingredients and claims made by the manufacturer before we can pass an opinion,” says Heesen. “Hydroquinone for example is totally banned.” Her advice to all importers is to provide the Department with a sample before placing an order. “In some cases they may just have to change the wording or register the product in order to get the green light. The message is simple – check before you import, no matter what the product may be. A Department of Health official is based at all entry ports – OR Tambo, Durban, Cape Town and City Deep. Heesen can be contacted on 082 376 4869.