English
FrançaisComplaint
- Complaint number
- NTB-001-180
- NTB Type
- 1.15. Other
- Complaint
-
MG Health Ltd cultivates and manufactures cannabis products for the European market. We started exporting Cannabis and transiting via Maseru Bridge since September 2020. On the 17 July 2024, after getting all export documents and submitting them to SARS on the South African side we were informed that Cannabis cannot be exported via Maseru Bridge as it not amongst designated ports according to South African law. MG Health's truck was then returned to Lesotho.
MG health initiated Meetings thereafter and the response that MG Health received was that this practice that MG Health and others who are in the same industry are accustomed to was a measure adopted during COVID-19 restrictions. It was explained to SARS that Lesotho is landlocked as a result the consignment will have to be flown out to get to OR Tambo. Secondly, given the quantities that are exported, using available flights will require multiple flights for just one consignment thus making the export process difficult and expensive. SARS response was that Medical Cannabis must be exported using designated ports irrespective of whether it is in transit or it is being exported to SA as the SA law is very clear on this matter and MG Health cannot make reference to Article 16 SACU Agreement. - Status note
- The SADC NTBs held in Johannesburg South Africa resolved this NTB referencing (General regulations made in terms of the medicines and related substances act of 1965(Act No:101 of 1965)- Amendment published on the 1st August 2025). The amended legislation designate Maseru border post as Land Border Posts for imports(Goods in transit) of any medicine or scheduled substance into the Republic of South Africa provided that the Authority is notified of and approves the intended importation. The email has been sent to BMA requesting for confirmation of the enforcement of the amended legislation by 15 April 2026. The amended legislation is attached for ease of reference.
- Progress update note
- The SADC NTBs held in Johannesburg South Africa resolved this NTB referencing (General regulations made in terms of the medicines and related substances act of 1965(Act No:101 of 1965)- Amendment published on the 1st August 2025). The amended legislation designate Maseru border post as Land Border Posts for imports(Goods in transit) of any medicine or scheduled substance into the Republic of South Africa provided that the Authority is notified of and approves the intended importation. The email has been sent to BMA requesting for confirmation of the enforcement of the amended legislation by 15 April 2026. The amended legislation is attached for ease of reference.
- Policy or regulatory NTB
- No
- Location
- South Africa: Maseru Bridge (Border post)
- Reporting Country or Region
- Lesotho
- Country specific trade issue
- No
- Date of incident
- 2024-06-17
- Status
- Resolved
- Date of resolution
- 2026-04-15
- Product Description
-
Medical Cannabis in form of flower as opposed to oil.
- Total value
- 30 000.00
- Date reported
- 2024-07-16 17:43
- Modified
- 2026-04-15 20:11
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