21/05/2009 - -

Back at Last

I believe my last words were half expecting a miracle at customs within 3 days.

For those of you who sat at your screens watching this space ……. my apologies.

No, customs clearance did not happen in 3 days. On the contrary it took a very long three weeks. Despite my best intentions and with no access to internet and neither the time, the space, nor the inclination, blogging was not even on my agenda anymore. I had more taxing issues to be concerned about.

With a new zealous inspector on the job who promptly raised questions and queries on the definition of what constituted ‘perishables’ in relation to medical disposables under the Exemption Notice in the customs law book.

He put forward his views as medical items with an expiry date. This I swiftly counteracted with the argument ‘What about similar items without expiry dates ie bandages?’ He equally swiftly changed the definition to read anything that cannot be destroyed ie plastic urine drainage bags? Fencing and parrying various options the officers in charge exercised their authority and compassion kindly allowing the consignment through on our definition of perishable – ‘Current laws require that extra care must be taken to ensure that diseases are not spread and so all medical items can only be for single patient use and are therefore referred to as disposables. Anything classified as disposable/consumable is throwaway after use and therefore by definition perishable. Hurray on that one.

Then we faced the second inquisition. India had recently brought in temporary new legislation banning all toys produced in China. This was in response to the fiasco in the USA last year in respect of harmful paint on toys. It was only one pallet of toys but there was no option but to offer the toys for detainment until we could provide laboratory test reports on toys for the EU market, which by the way did meet the stringent requirements cited by the Indian government.

Credit goes to our generous and caring donor's, thanks Nigel, efforts by providing those reports. Two weeks later we managed to retrieve the toys from the clutches of customs to the anticipated joy of at least a thousand happy and smiling children.

Actually on reflection, and bearing in mind the rate at which India is reviewing its import legislation, we did rather well.

Following this I took the opportunity of a few days at Kodai Kanal enjoying the mountains, walks and eucalyptus trees which are the hallmark of kodai. Kodai is remote hill station frequented by the masses to escape the scorching heat of the plains.

Intent on catching up with blogging I had been assured that the hotel at Kodai had internet access only to be disappointed. Internet access by no means meant wireless or even plugged access, it referred to one near snails pace computer lodged in a tiny box next to reception. By the time it logged onto the internet and executed any command I was nodding off.

My trek to the other side of the world over I am back and ready to keep you posted on events and happenings at Giving World Online.