‘This product isn’t approved to be imported into this market,” says a customs official while reviewing the importation documentation.

Local quality and regulatory teams are quickly brought into the conversation and see that the product’s registration has been valid for several years, and no local variations or updates have been submitted during that time.

“Are you sure that’s correct?” says the local quality and regulatory lead.

In response, the customs officials begin listing the variances seen between what is being imported and what has been registered. The product looks different, component parts have changed, and small adaptations to branding have been noted on the labeling and packaging, although the product description itself hasn’t changed.

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