Skin products and unregistered medicine intercepted at ORTIA
Some skin lightening products are prohibited in South Africa as they cause harm to the skin.
Over 800kg of skin-lightening products and unregistered medicine were intercepted by the Border Management Authority (BMA) Port Health Team working in the cargo section of the OR Tambo International Airport on December 7.
Some skin-lightening and brightening products are prohibited in South Africa as they cause harm to the skin.
According to Dr Mike Masiapato, commissioner of the BMA, the products arrived on a flight from Nigeria.
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All confiscated products will be destroyed. In accordance with the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965 and the Foodstuffs Cosmetic and Disinfection Act 54, when these products are found, the importer has to pay for the destruction of the products before the rest of the shipment is released.
He said only an approved destruction facility licensed to deal with hazardous waste is used for destroying these products.
Masiapato said unregistered medicines were also found and detained for destruction.
“Port health, environmental health practitioners work closely with officials from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) who play an important role in advising officials on product identification and what steps to take.
“Port health is a special function of the BMA which monitors and evaluates all foodstuff, cosmetics, disinfectants, hazardous substances and medicines entering South Africa through the ports.”
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Masiapato outlined detailed port health regulations undertaken at ports.
“All arriving travellers must expect to be screened and searched on their arrival at the ports of entry.
“We have employed our resources and intensified our work during this festive season to ensure our borders are secured,” he said.
“We aim to record significant success with interceptions around the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas,” said Masiapato.
He said the BMA is responsible and accountable for the entire border environment, ensuring the legitimate movement of goods and people.
