23 April 2013

Customs seizes cactus sports supplement
There has been a sharp rise in Customs interceptions of a sports supplement which contains the endangered cactus, Hoodia Gordonii. Customs warns the public not to import this product.

More than 70 consignments of the product, marketed as Max Thermo Burn, have been seized in the past week.

Customs Manager Northern Ports, Eddie Kohlhase, says the sports supplement cannot be imported into New Zealand without a permit.

Max Thermo Burn capsules contain Hoodia Gordonii and Yohimbe extract. Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus-like plant with medicinal properties. It is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Yohimbe extract is an alkaloid usually found in tea and herbal products. It is subject to Medsafe provisions as a prescribed medicine.

Mr Kohlhase says it is important consumers understand what they are ordering from the internet.

“Health or nutritional supplements should be sourced from credible websites that list the ingredients and, where required, display a CITES certificate.”

“Some supplements may contain endangered or prohibited ingredients that require a permit to import or are in fact illegal in New Zealand,” he says.

Hoodia may be imported into New Zealand but must be accompanied by a valid CITES export permit from the country of supply.

Customs is currently seizing all Max Thermo Burn imports and working with US authorities to liaise with the supplier.

CITES is designed to regulate trade in endangered, threatened, or exploited species. Customs enforces this at the border on behalf of the Department of Conservation.

Importation is an offence and carries a maximum penalty of up to 3 years’ imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine. For an organisation, the fine can be up to $200,000.

For more information on CITES, visit Customs’ website:
http://www.customs.govt.nz/features/prohibited/imports/Pages/endangeredspecies.aspx

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