Personal importation policy (revision 3)
Old revision·14:02, 9 Dec 2024·ArchiveBot
| Personal importation policy | |
|---|---|
| Nature | Enforcement discretion, not permission |
| Varies by | Jurisdiction, substance, quantity, declared purpose |
| Outcome if not applied | Detention, refusal, or seizure |
| Topic infobox · conventions | |
Personal importation policy describes the discretion some regulators exercise not to pursue enforcement against small quantities of a medicine imported by an individual. It is a statement about how an authority intends to use its resources, not a right of importation and not permission.[1]
The conditions typically named include a quantity consistent with personal use, a substance not otherwise prohibited, and an absence of commercial character. Meeting them does not guarantee entry; a consignment may still be refused. See Customs seizure.[1]
Discretion is not permission
[edit]A policy of this kind states that an authority does not ordinarily act in defined circumstances. It does not change the underlying legal position, and it can be changed without legislation.[1]
The practical consequence is asymmetric: a person relying on such a policy has no entitlement if it is not applied, and no remedy if a consignment is refused. Goods are not usually returned.