DHL delivery problem

[Marco_Orloff]

Hi, everybody. Did you purchase any items on iHerb with delivery to the Philipines by DHL?

A couple of weeks ago I purchased on that online store the small package of herbal vitamins. The total weight is 2.3 kg. However, I can't receive it yet because in the local DHL office they say that I need to obtain the Food and Drug Bureau of the Philippines permit, so in this way, I can confirm that that package is for my personal use. According to official documents that I received from DHL and FDA without any permit, I can receive from abroad the package of vitamins that is not over the 500 grams. Well, I sent the request to the FDA about the ways I can receive that permit. In the letter I received from FDA they say that there is no any procedure to obtain that permit, they don't issue anyone. What is the good solution in this situation?

Thank you for any information and advice.

[OnMyWay]

1 hour ago, Marco_Orloff said:

Hi, everybody. Did you purchase any items on iHerb with delivery to the Philipines by DHL?

A couple of weeks ago I purchased on that online store the small package of herbal vitamins. The total weight is 2.3 kg. However, I can't receive it yet because in the local DHL office they say that I need to obtain the Food and Drug Bureau of the Philippines permit, so in this way, I can confirm that that package is for my personal use. According to official documents that I received from DHL and FDA without any permit, I can receive from abroad the package of vitamins that is not over the 500 grams. Well, I sent the request to the FDA about the ways I can receive that permit. In the letter I received from FDA they say that there is no any procedure to obtain that permit, they don't issue anyone. What is the good solution in this situation?

Thank you for any information and advice.

I would take it up with Iherb and ask for a refund.  Together with their shipping partner, DHL, they should have been able to tell you the personal limit is 500 g., before shipping.  If they agree, ask them to send you 500 g.

If you used a credit card and don't get a refund from IHerb, protest the charge on your credit card.

The FDA response probably means that you also need to be a business to import that much, but that is speculation on my part.

I used to work in the shipping industry and 2.3 kg is not a small about of herbal products.  That would raise eyebrows going to many countries.  They think you will sell it and thus you need to have FDA approval.