hello everyone,

In my case,I bought a bottle of Mc Cormick brand pure vanilla extract last 31st July.item was shipped on 2nd August from Miami,US via USPS Priority Mail International with custom form number as tracking no. When I checked with USPS website it says :

Label/Receipt Number: LJxxxxxxxUS
Class: Priority Mail International Parcels
Service(s): International Letter
Status: Electronic Shipping Info Received

The U.S. Postal Service was electronically notified by the shipper on August 02, 2010 to expect your package for mailing. This does not indicate receipt by the USPS or the actual mailing date. Delivery status information will be provided if / when available. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later.



Until today I keep receiving this electronic confirmation info,no updates.It was frustrating too since tracking number starts with LJ/LC are not traceable in Malaysia.If I knew earlier I should use more expensive postage even for 1Ib item.

I already contacted the seller about my item not received and she said usually when it comes to international shipping for foods and medical stuff US customs are very slow doing their job.they have to carefully inspects the labels,ingredients and exporting permits/licences of these things before release them for international shipping.

It's nearly 4 weeks now I haven't received any call/letter from Malaysia Customs nor Post Malaysia.Last week I went to my local post office,Sibu Sarawak asking about my parcel they said not arrived yet and just be patient. IF my item is being detained or ditahan by Customs,how long does their letter take to arrive to your home to inform you about your parcel? If they send it using normal post Malaysia it could take 2-3 weeks to arrive at my hometown here,Sibu Sarawak. sigh....

I also emailed Malaysia Customs regarding taxing of my Mc Cormick vanilla extract. In their reply they said vanilla extract are allowed for importing and not taxable here.However I need to get approval letter or some sort of kelulusan from Ministry of Health.
So my question is,how to get the approval from MOH? As I live in Sarawak this can be big hassle to get the form and submit other documentations in KLIA unless it can be done by post.If you have bought any kind of food (snacks,candy,coffee,tea,food flavourings) from online before,how to get the approval from MOH to release them from customs?

This pure vanilla extract is a gift for my mother she loves baking I want her to get a good taste of real vanilla at least once in her lifetime. Here in Sarawak for baking we are stuck with synthetic vanilla essence Star brand and many locally manufactured.God knows what they made with once I put a teaspoon in and my French toast tasted like eggy cough syrup!