Good evening to all. I have a question relating to the purchase of hydroxycobalamin and brexit. After brexit, if and when it should ever happen, will it still be possible to buy phials of b12 for injection without hassle. At present, like many others I purchase from Versandapo, Germany.
Thanks
Rod
Hopefully so, I doubt trade with Europe will cease. However, until a deal has been struck I guess we don’t know the terms that will apply. Nor indeed what arrangements will apply in the event of no deal.
Yes , it’s a real worry . If Brexit happens , we are out of the single market . Customs forms will have to accompany every parcel sent or received . I have no idea what attitude HM customs will have to the importation of B12 ampoules .— Whether they will be allowed or not . I have got 18 months supply .
Maybe someone on the forum has better information ?
Fully understand and agree with the fears. I doubt HMRC will care about the ampoules , after all, it is UK law that permits us to import for ourselves and our household.
Some current suppliers might find selling to the UK more effort than it is worth. Or increase prices or P&P to cover extra costs.
It appears that the current £15 allowance is an EU feature and could, from what I have read - probably will, be terminated through the brexit proceedings.
Finally, a considerable number of people have been using the pan-European cross border recognition of prescriptions to obtain medicines which are not available or are far too expensive in the UK. I have seen nothing which suggests that will continue after brexit.
actually you could import the B12 anyway - only if it is specifically for medical reasons that it is limited to yourself and your household. If you don't describe it as a medication but as a beauty product then there really shouldn't be any issue - beyond general imports
I'd forgotten about that description issue. For completeness, do you know if we are allowed to import for veterinary purposes? E.g. dog or cat.
sorry - but I really have no idea about veterinary supplies - I suspect they may be covered in some way as vets now need to prescribe certain medications.
Hello Helvella,
I know someone in France who buys cannabis oil from the USA for her dog's pain management and it's described as "dog treats" so I suspect there would be ways around these sorts of issues for animals (including us humans too).
Maybe a business opportunity for someone - to have a satellite B12 factory in the UK. 😊
FYI - Anyone travelling to Greece on holiday can purchase ARTICLOX B12 Ampoules and 3 syringes for less than 5 euro OTC - without a prescription. They also sell another that contains B9 ... sorry have forgotten the name for the moment !
Hi
It’s not the importing that’s the issue. It’s whether they recognise an non EU countries prescriptions.
My understanding is that ( speaking to a German Doctor) it has to be written by an EU Doctor.
That said needles are readily available from many pet suppliers. I have a horse who has b12 injections. They cost £18 for a 50 ml bottle. It’s fractionally lower grade. I.e from memory our is made in vats that have to be say 97-100% sterile. Animals b12 can be say 96 %. Also different chemical is in the animal one for preserving it.
Do I know people who use it. Yes.
Not myself regularly but just once and it stings more.
Purchasing self injecting b12 in USA
Brexit and B12 
Recent purchase of vitamin B12. 
