Hello,
I have asked the regulators about this.
Here is my Email to Customs, sent last Friday:
Quote:
Hello Customs,
I intend to import small quantities of Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) into Australia for my personal use. The value of the goods is much less than $1000 per year.
Here is a link to the product information:
http://www.jarrow.com/product/58/Methyl_B_12
Here is a link to the intended supplier:
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=129
Please advise me:
1. Is this a prohibited import?
2. If it is not prohibited, is there any restriction of the quantity imported?
3. If it is not prohibited, is there any tax or customs duty payable on this product?
4. If it is not prohibited, how should the package be marked in order to avoid confiscation by Customs?
Thank you for your time.
Paul
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Here is the reply from Customs, received last Friday:
Quote:
Dear Mr Golding
Thank you for your enquiry.
In response, 1. & 2. for information about importing pharmaceuticals/natural medicines you need to contact the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as some products require an import permit. The TGA are the permit-issuing agency for products that do require an import permit. Their contact details are:
Phone: 1800 020 653
Phone: (02) 6232 8444
Email: tga-information-officer@health.gov.au
3. Goods imported under AU$1000 do not attract any duty or GST other than on alcohol and tobacco products.
4. Declaration clearly stating the contents and that permit is attached ( if there is a permit required).
If you require further information please contact the Customs Information & Support Centre.
Sincerely
Julie L
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Here is my Email to TGA, sent today:
Quote:
Hello TGA,
I have been advised by Customs to contact you; please see the messages below.
I intend to import small quantities of Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) into Australia, for my personal use as a food supplement.
Here is a link to the product information:
http://www.jarrow.com/product/58/Methyl_B_12
Here is a link to the intended supplier:
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=129
Please advise me:
1. Is this a prohibited import?
2. If it is not prohibited, is there any restriction of the quantity imported?
Thank you for your time.
Paul
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Here is the reply from TGA, received today:
Quote:
Dear Paul Golding
Thank you for your enquiry regarding importation of medication for your personal use. I am from the Office of Prescription Medicines of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and in response to your enquiry, I offer you the following information.
Australian residents and visitors to Australia can legally import certain therapeutic goods for personal use under the personal import exemption. This exemption does not allow the personal importation of either substances or drugs prohibited by Customs legislation, or, injectable drugs that contain material of human or animal origin (except insulin), unless an import permit has been obtained. Please note that it is illegal to supply goods imported under the personal import scheme exemption to persons outside the importer's immediate family.
Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) does not appear in the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and so will not require an import permit. You may therefore import this medication however please note that it is illegal to supply goods imported under the personal import scheme exemption to persons outside the importer's immediate family. Under the personal import scheme exemption, you may import three months supply per import and, no more than fifteen months supply per twelve-month period.
If you require further information on this subject, may I direct you to our website. There is a TGA publication on personal importation which can be found at the following link:
http://www.tga.gov.au/impexp/index.htm
I trust this information is of assistance to you.
Regards,
Josephine Dufty
Senior Pharmacist
Experimental Drugs Section
Therapeutic Goods Administration
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This appears to answer the question. I will let you know what happens when I try to import some.
Paul