Importing and Exporting Hoodia From the U.S.

Hoodia is a plant whose alleged appetite suppressant and resulting weight loss properties have been reported worldwide. It's one of the thirteen hoodia species that belong to the flowering succulent plant family. The hoodia species is native to the African desert from the Namibia to southern Angola. Hoodia gordonii is the species that has caught the world's attention, because it is the plant containing the potential appetite suppressant.Because of its popularity, the native hoodia plant is protected in many African areas where it grows. Access is given only to pharmaceutical companies that have obtained a specific license from the CSIR, the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The CSIR holds the patent to the active ingredient in hoodia gordonii, called P57.People who want to lose weight will take the path of least resistance. Although confirmed scientific studies of the effects of hoodia are not published yet, the demand for hoodia far exceeds the supply. Therefore the U.S. government has created specific guidelines for importers and exporters of hoodia.Beginning on January 12, 2005, all species of hoodia were listed in CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. In October 2004, this addition was ratified by the various nations that participate in the CITES program. This ruling covers both live and dead plant specimens of hoodia. It also includes all parts of the plant, and all products. There is a single exception in the ruling, but it will not be usable until all nations in CITES ratify the ruling.The CITES ruling does not affect domestic sales and purchases of hoodia inside the United States. However it does affect the imports and exports of hoodia plants and products into and out of the U.S. Hoodia plants, parts, or products without a CITES permit cannot be imported into the United States. The permit must be issued by the exporting country, and that country must be a member of the CITES coalition. The permit requirement also holds whether the hoodia is naturally grown or was artificially cultivated. Similarly, hoodia plants, products, or parts cannot be exported from the United States without a permit issued by the American CITES authority. The export of naturally grown wild hoodia from the States requires the regular permit. Exporting artificially propagated hoodia requires a Certificate of Artificial Propagation. These permit applications are available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at www.fws.gov