SUMMARY
OF THE US CUSTOMS MEMORANDUM/ONDCP
Suspension
of guidelines regarding the importation
of hemp seed and related products.
1) On December 30, 1999, the Office of the National Drug Control Policy
(ONDCP) requested US Customs to suspend the guidelines of December 7th,
1999.
2) The ONDCP, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),
will review the issue to determine whether the policy to allow for traces
of THC in hemp products is consistent with their National Drug Control
Strategy.
3) In the meantime, and until the final determination is made, Customs
field personnel is instructed to take the following action:
A) For sterilized hemp seed and hemp products containing THC, effective
immediately:
• Any hemp product, or part thereof, which contains ANY amount
of THC is subject to seizure. Customs retain the right to sample shipments
of hemp products to verify the presence of THC.
• The field personnel is instructed to use constructive seizure
procedures.
B) Unsterilized cannabis (hemp) seed:
Unsterilized hemp seed, capable of germination, is a Schedule 1 controlled
substance and may be imported into the US only by persons registered
with
the DEA and holders of special permits. Shipments without permit will
be seized.
Please
refer market access questions to Ron Krystynak , Deputy
Director for the US, Western Hemisphere, International Trade Policy
Directorate, at (613) 759-7653
A copy of the original memorandum can be obtained from US Customs as
follows: Vera Adams, Director, Commercial Processing, at (202) 927-0360
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