Hoodia Import And Export Restrictions
Doug Smith

Defined Tag: hoodia.
Hoodia is a South African plant that appears to suppress the appetite and cause natural weight loss. It grows in the Kalahari desert and belongs to a family of 13 flowering succulent species. Hoodia grows in the African desert from Angola up to Namibia. The species called hoodia gordonii has caught the world spotlight because of its alleged appetite suppressing qualities.

This popularity has caused Africa and many other nations to impose protective measures on hoodia. Only those specific drug companies that have been granted a license from the CSIR, South Africa's leading scientific organization, have access to hoodia plants. The CSIR holds the patent to P57, the active chemical in hoodia gordonii.

Overweight people always want to take the easy route to weight loss. Confirmed scientific studies proving hoodia's weight loss effects are not available, yet the demand for the gordonii species continues to grow. Regulations have been enacted by the U.S. government regarding the export and import of South African hoodia plants.

A database called CITES lists endangered plants and animals. Hoodia gordonii is now included in the CITES list with the approval of the nations participating in the CITES program. Both live and dead hoodia specimens are regulated, as well as all other parts of the plant, and plant products.

Domestic sale and purchase of hoodia inside the U.S. are not affected by the CITES prohibitions. However, hoodia imports and exports into and out of the U.S. are affected. No hoodia plants, parts, or products can be brought into the country without the proper CITES permit. The permit must be issued by the country exporting the hoodia, and that country must be a CITES member country as well. A permit is required whether the hoodia is grown naturally or cultivated artificially.

The American CITES authority must likewise approve the export of hoodia plants, parts, or products without a permit. Any naturally grown hoodia requires the regular permit. Hoodia that is grown artificially needs a Certificate of Artificial Propagation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues these permits. Hopefully hoodia gordonii can fulfill its promise as the leading weight loss supplement of our time.

Copyright 2007 by Doug Smith. All rights reserved worldwide. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.