My henna supplier in Pakistan notified me today that Fed Ex had returned his shipment to me based on the ban on imported henna imposed by the FDA in 1997 and updated in 2006. Of course the the law hasn't changed. The ban is still on hennas intended for use on skin, with illegal color additives or specific products listed in the FDA alert, "For Hair" markings apparently aren't doing it anymore.

My henna got here via DHL, which is great, but they're fixin' to go under. Now what?

I mean really, how long could it take to just research the difference between PPD and henna? To actually start protecting people?

I'm just not sure what to do about this. I don't know who to talk to, who can help, or whether this is the first sign that I'm going to have to wait tables soon. I certainly can't afford to go back to school right now...

www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia5319.html Import alert for henna intended for use on skin
www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tatt.html The FDA's statement
vlex.com/vid/19703849 here is the actual regulation

I'll say it again: NOW WHAT?!?!