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E-courier Web Source has advised its customers to think twice before purchasing sex toys online.
In correspondence issued to its customers yesterday, the company claimed that the intimate devices fell under the Customs and Excise Division’s list of prohibited items.
Other items include camouflage patterns, illegal drugs, cigarettes, honey, plants, seeds, soil and toy guns, including those with brightly coloured muzzles. Firearm holsters are also prohibited unless the importer has a valid firearm user’s licence.
It said: “Please note that Customs will be inspecting all packages to ensure compliance with the law. As such, they can and will seize the items listed below and any other prohibited items.”
It also noted that its shipping fees remain payable even if prohibited items are seized.
Despite the warning, sources within the division, who spoke to television station CNC3, said that not all sex toys are prohibited as only items which closely resemble actual sex organs would be barred.
However, they noted that the final decision on each item rests with the Customs officer, who is assigned to inspect that package.
The prohibition of sex toys falls under Section 45 (l) of the Customs Act, which barred the importation of “indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engravings, gramophone records or any other indecent or obscene articles or matter”.
The Criminal Offences Act and Summary Offences Act also outlaws the distribution and sale of such illicit items.
Police sources said that while the items have been prohibited for decades under the legislation, some packages may slip pass Customs officials, who may just perform random searches.
Some people also elude the legislation by smuggling the items in the suitcases during overseas trips.