Buying a mobility item from overseas

[zanadoo_56]

Here's the story.  I need to buy a walker/pick up frame of a particular style and size not currently available in Australia.  (I was told the original supplier went out of business).  I have searched suppliers in Oz (online, emails, phone calls) with no luck.  In fact I've lost count of how many I've contacted.  One mobility company in Oz had been trying for months to track one down, not just for me but for other customers. but I got the call - they have given up and will refund my money.

The issue with companies buying overseas equipment is that it must pass the Aust Standards approval process.  Without that they can't sell them.  Fair enough...however....  I called the Oz branch of the company that makes one that fits all my criteria, but it has not yet been approved for sale here and according to the company there is a backlog of equipment requiring approval and the process can take 18 months or longer.  I don't know if the item I want is in the approval backlog or not, but it's possible.

So...I've seen the walker for sale on eBay from many US mobility suppliers.  All use the GSP which sticks in my craw, but the situation is getting desperate.  Has anyone successfully bought one from overseas?  I hesitate to test it on two grounds.  Is it legal to source one from overseas for private use (ie not to sell)?  I have no wish to get into trouble with customs or whatever govt department this comes under.  Secondly, even if it is OK, is it something Pitney Bowes are likely to refuse to honour due to their tendency to reject items on a whim?

I don't know what to do.  I am frustrated and angry at how this has been dragging on with months and months of trying with no good outcome.

[bsal6160]

question is why would you even consider buying something from overseas that is not approved for use in Australia yet. It would be like buying medicine from overseas that is not appproved for sale in Au yet. safety issue and all that.

[davewil1964]

it's not quite the same.

[davewil1964]

If it's for your own use, then it is a risk you take. But if they are a common item in the US, it stands to reason it meets the applicable standards there, which wouldn't be that different to ours.

Given it is a bulky item, I imagine the GSP would probably be about the cheapest shipping you could get. That seems to be other people's experience.

[zanadoo_56]

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@bsal6160 wrote:

question is why would you even consider buying something from overseas that is not approved for use in Australia yet. It would be like buying medicine from overseas that is not appproved for sale in Au yet. safety issue and all that.

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It's an aluminium frame WALKER, not medicine. 

Why would I consider it?  Because I need one and it is not available in Australia.  I don't need it in 18 months - I need it NOW.

Do you think it is easy to buy this kind of stuff in Oz?  If you ever have to source this item then you will find out just how difficult it can be.  I've been trying to source one in Oz since March....with no success.

[lyndal1838]

Have you tried sourcing the item direct from the manufacturer in the USA rather than looking on ebay?

At least that way you could cut Pitney Bowes and their "shipping" policy out of the equation.

Do you have an item number so we can have a look for you.....my OH has rellies in the USA who have used mobility aids so I may be able to help with sourcing it direct and bypassing PB.

[zanadoo_56]

It's a Bariatric Walker from Drive Medical (Item no 10220-1) in US.  They don't sell direct but have a long list of US providers (shops and online).  I haven't looked at all their providers yet as I only found out this afternoon that after months of waiting I couldn't buy a similar frame in Oz.  Drive Medical Aust don't stock it.

[digital*ghost]

I am not well-versed on this topic at all, and I don't know if a mobility aid counts as a medical device, but from the generalised descriptions for what does count as a medical device, I assume it would qualify as one (from TGA - emphasis mine: "A medical device is any instrument, apparatus, appliance, material or other article that is intended by the manufacturer to...diagnose, monitor, treat, alleviate or compensate for an injury or handicap). 

The page I'm quoting (and linked to at the end) has this Q & A:

"Can I buy medical devices online and import them into Australia?

If you plan to buy a medical device online, there are some important considerations.

Unless a specific exemption has been granted, it is a criminal offence under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to import into, supply in or export from Australia, a medical device that has not been entered onto the ARTG.

One of these specific exemptions enables consumers to import medical devices for their own personal use."

So... I think that means it's ok, but they also have a long list of things you should consider before buying from overseas, available to read here: https://www.tga.gov.au/community-qa/buying-medical-devices

[janeababe]

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@zanadoo_56 wrote:

It's a Bariatric Walker from Drive Medical (Item no 10220-1) in US.  They don't sell direct but have a long list of US providers (shops and online).  I haven't looked at all their providers yet as I only found out this afternoon that after months of waiting I couldn't buy a similar frame in Oz.  Drive Medical Aust don't stock it.

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Hi Zanadoo.

I found one (different brand, but the same never the less) on a website in Australia called Independant Living Specialists Australia

http://ilsau.com.au/department/seat-walkers/?filter_weight-capacity=198

C&P the link if the one at the bottom doesnt work. 🙂

Becuase its over $125, its free shipping anywhere in Australia.

Hope that helps.

xxj

http://ilsau.com.au/department/seat-walkers/?filter_weight-capacity=198

[zanadoo_56]

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@digital*ghost wrote:

I am not well-versed on this topic at all, and I don't know if a mobility aid counts as a medical device, but from the generalised descriptions for what does count as a medical device, I assume it would qualify as one (from TGA - emphasis mine: "A medical device is any instrument, apparatus, appliance, material or other article that is intended by the manufacturer to...diagnose, monitor, treat, alleviate or compensate for an injury or handicap). 

The page I'm quoting (and linked to at the end) has this Q & A:

 "Can I buy medical devices online and import them into Australia?

 If you plan to buy a medical device online, there are some important considerations.

Unless a specific exemption has been granted, it is a criminal offence under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to import into, supply in or export from Australia, a medical device that has not been entered onto the ARTG.

One of these specific exemptions enables consumers to import medical devices for their own personal use."

So... I think that means it's ok, but they also have a long list of things you should consider before buying from overseas, available to read here: https://www.tga.gov.au/community-qa/buying-medical-devices

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Very interesting.  Thanks for the info.  I wondered where to find it.