TOPIC:

Hi Mike,

Sending a few test packages seems like a really good idea for people in certain countries. I have some friends in France, Spain and Italy who could help.

I am thinking along the lines of asking someone to just send baby formula or similar (so no real risk for anyone involved), but clearly marked as Sofosbuvir + Daclatasvir in the customs declaration.

Any suggestions on practicalities would be welcome.

I will follow up in PMs.

Excellent V!

Yes, PM me if you need my address. This is a way to see what is really possible. My wife and I get packages all the time from her relatives in Romania. They always arrive. They have never been opened. Twice FedEx emailed me to ask what was in them before they left Romania. I think that is where the actual Customs inspection happens. Once it was herbal liver medication. They said "Oh, medicine, fine." They are concerned about narcotics and bombs and specifically asked if it was flammable.
FedEx prides itself on fast delivery. Lengthy Customs delays don't figure into their business model.
Mike

Ok, let's hope that sofosbuvir isn't flammable

Fed-ex packages get scanned at customs as do all other mail items at various points depending
on country and risk profile.

I think your idea of sending baby formula marked as Sob( If the package is opened) will get your address blacklisted
meaning everything that comes to you is profiled.

There are tested and proven ways to ship goods the above is not one.

Yep incorrect labelling of anything would raise serious suspicion and may be considerd a trial run for narcotics. I think they should just start importing them directly looks highly doubtful the meds will me stopped.

cheers

Yes Sir,
You are right. There is a waybill, for example, on a package from Mesochem. It is in Chinese, but the consignee and the contents must be in English. As does all the contact information for the addressee. It also must have MSDS certification. In three instances I am aware of, FedEx contacted the addressee from South Korea to determine exactly what was in their package, if it was explosive or flammable. In all three cases, the folks told them exactly what it was and what it was being used for. They all arrived 3 days later. I think they were in the process of entering information into the bar code and QR code when those calls and emails occurred. The packages will be scanned numerous times on their journeys. That's how they can be tracked. Mine was scanned into Anchorage at 1:30AM. Showed Customs clearance at 1:55AM and was at my door that morning at 10:30AM near Springfield Missouri.
I was amazed.
Mike

Thanks Paul, Sir. Good points. The idea is not to do anything suspicious. Just to do a legal experiment. The aim was only to avoid risking problems or delays with customs on what should be a perfectly legitimate shipment.

If it has to be done, it has to be done right.

On the other hand, if anyone already has experience of importing Sof+Dac/Led to France, Spain, Italy, or else-where. please say so!

Yes, other than suspicion the problem is "making a false customs declaration" which is considered a serious offence worldwide and probably end up in court with at minimum a sizeable "deterrent" fine.

Some thoughts:
We need to approach this from the "long view" standpoint.

1. Each shipment probably needs to be accompanied by a doctor's prescription from the person recieving the medications.
2. Each package should include all MSDS documentation, clearly stating what is in the package.
3. The shipper needs to be someone who should be shipping such medications. Here we get into the "gray area". This is where it will either fly or crash and burn. I don't think Customs or the FDA is going to start the wholesale detention of life-saving medications being shipped to people who can't afford to get them any other way. But, if we are talking about a huge number of shipments, who knows.
We can figure this out, but it needs careful thought and consideration before taking any action that could hurt our cause.
Those who can't afford generic treatment should qualify for patient assistance.
The cost and logistics of a trip abroad is a big factor for many.
A lot to think about.
Mike

Below is a response to an email I recieved from someone in the U.S. requesting guidance on the importation process:
1. Yes, you can legally import 90 days of medication into the U.S. for personal use.
2. A prescription is all you need on this end and that is not required in most cases. It should be included in the package with the medications when shipped.
3. All Customs issues should be handled by the shipping company before the package leaves the origin country. I would insist on FedEx. If not, DHL.
4. They call it "detained". I have not heard of that happening. If it does happen let me know, let NPR know, let your senators and reps know, etc. The FDA would be the ones responsible and they have to notify the recipient their package has been detained and give them 30 days to get it "undetained" before it is destroyed. A letter from the prescribing doctor should easily do the trick. Again, I have never heard of this happening.
Good luck with your effort. You are doing your homework. You should be successful. I know a trusted source if yours does not pan out.
Keep me posted.
Mike

Below is some info sent to me from someone who experienced a few issues with the FDA regarding his shipment from INDIA. This is the first feedback I have received about importation from INDIA:

Here is what needs to happen to ensure a successful import to the US. From India.
1. Prescription from US doctor
2. Passport copy and copy of Driver Lic
3. Letter from your doctor or one from yourself stating this is life saving medication
4. pay the Duty Tax asap when requested(they will ask the value of meds I told the truth but to each there own)
5.fill out a Form#2 personal Medication Information requirements worksheet.
6. upload copies of paper work(passport,drivers Lic,prescription,letter from doctor or yourself explaining these meds are life saving and personal medication information worksheet) to DHL site as soon as you get a waybill number. There is a window called Clearance On Demand click on that. Then there in another one that says personal medication importation US resident. That is where you fill out all the information Name SS# address doctors address information about meds you are importing(you must know name of the manufacturer Cipla and HepcvirL and there address in india on there site) at the bottom there is a window that says upload click that and attached all copies of all that i mentioned. DHL will help you with this but its best to give them all that is needed so you don't have to keep sending them things that will just prolong things. After they clear your meds then it goes to FDA. They will tell you 3-7 days after its in FDA hands but usually 24 hours. It took roughly 7 days to get meds. Remember this was DHL not FEDEX

Personal Medication Requirements Worksheet Link:


Mike

Why arn't VA doing this for their vets !

Very good question...

Mike, you are doing such a sterling job on behalf of US sufferers - all the more power to you mate. I noticed that 2b (I think its him!) has washed up on the buyers club thread on hepmag now too - another comrade in arms to help your countrymen find the path to a generic cure - great stuff

Yeah,
Opening some eyes over there. I think 2016 is going to be "THE" year!!
It certainly is for you, me and a bunch of other scalawags and scoundrels around here!!
Did you say 50 something kg??
Are you a jockey????
Cat burgler??
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