Feds Address Hoodia Import, Export

Feds Address Hoodia Import, Export

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and WildlifeService (www.fws.gov), Division of Management Authority, sent a letter to theherbal products industry concerning requirements for importing, exporting orre-exporting hoodia plants, parts and products. The agency reminded industry all species of hoodia were listed in Appendix IIof the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) of WildFlora and Fauna in January 2005, which requires international trade shipments ofhoodia to be accompanied by a CITES document.

Specifically, the agency noted any shipment of hoodia specimen, parts orproducts seeking entry into the United States must bear a CITES Appendix IIcertificate or permit issued by the CITES Management Authority (www.cites.org)in the exporting country, regardless of whether the exporting country is in thenative range of hoodia or whether the product is wild origin or artificiallycultivated. Such shipments must also go through the U.S. Department ofAgriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) designatedports for plants. In addition, the U.S Department of Homeland Security, Customsand Border Protection will inspect and clear specimen and parts shipments priorto entry and APHIS will clear live plants.

For export of hoodia specimens, parts or products from the United States,shipments must obtain a U.S. CITES Appendix II certificate from the Division ofManagement Authority. Exports of naturalized wild hoodia will require a CITESexport permit, while artificially cultivated hoodia exports must carry a CITESCertificate of Artificial Propagation.

Copies of the letter are available at www.fws.gov/international/cites/ andwww.ahpa.org/06_0329_FWS_Hoodia_Letter.pdf.