A SPECIALIST spice importer says he won’t “roll over” in a fight against internet giant Amazon over smoking herbs sold at his Hereford store.

Amazon has banned The Spiceworks from selling a herbal smoking mix on its site because it allegedly contains a cannabis derivative.

Spiceworks MD Ralph Harris says the mix – called Amazonia – contains nothing more than “ 100 per cent dried natural herbs”.

A goodwill offer allowing Amazon to test the mix for itself has been refused.

Amazon says Amazonia has been identified as a 'synthetic cannabinoid' and stands by its policy prohibiting the sale – or even the listing – of products that simulate the effects of any illegal drug.

Mr Harris said he’s “disappointed” with the decision claiming Amazonia – which he has sold since 2008 – simply contains raspberry leaf, marshmallow leaf, hops, passion flower, red clover, sage and peppermint.

"We have clearly demonstrated that this mix contains nothing more than everyday culinary herbs, yet Amazon refuse to even consider this, merely stating that we are in breach of their listing policy," he added.

"Amazon refuse to disclose how they came to the conclusion that this product contains alleged ’illegal substances’. We even offered, as a goodwill gesture, to allow them to have a random sample of this product independently tested. However, they ignored this offer, stating again, that the product was in breach of their listing policy.”

Mr Harris believes he was “grassed up” to Amazon by another seller as Spiceworks was the “number one” seller of the mix on the UK Amazon selling platform.

Jed Bancroft, overseas buyer for Spiceworks, said the mix contains nothing more than everyday herbs used in cooking and herbal infusions and all available from supermarkets and health food shops throughout the UK.

“We clearly state on the product page of our website that we do not sell any type of illegal drug, but there simply is no way to get through to the Amazon - all they do is repeat their pre-written script to us,” said Mr Bancroft.

Believing itself “victimised”, The Spiceworks could yet launch a legal action against Amazon from its Eign Gate headquarters.

“Our good trading reputation is being brought into disrepute here," said Mr Harris.

The Hereford Times contacted Amazon for a statement but has not received a response.