HR 2715119th CongressIn Committee

Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act

Introduced: Apr 8, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act would broaden the FDA’s authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to destroy imported articles that have been refused admission to the United States because they present a significant public health concern. Specifically, it authorizes the destruction of such articles and adds a new prohibition on moving or introducing into interstate commerce (including export) any article that the Secretary has decided to destroy. The amendments would take effect 180 days after enactment, and the Secretary (through the FDA) must finalize implementing regulations within 90 days and ensure consistency with international agreements. In short, the bill strengthens enforcement against dangerous imports by allowing destruction and by barring any movement of those items once the destruction decision is made.

Key Points

1Expands destruction authority: If the Secretary determines an article refused admission presents a significant public health concern, that article may be destroyed, expanding beyond the current scope.
2Broadens scope to “other articles”: The language now covers drug, device, or other article, not just drugs or devices, when describing admissibility and destruction.
3New prohibited act: Adds a prohibition on unauthorized movement, or introduction/delivery for introduction into interstate commerce (including export), of an article the Secretary has decided to destroy.
4Regulatory implementation: Requires the Secretary to finalize necessary regulations within 90 days of enactment to implement the amendments and to align with international agreements.
5Applicability timeline: The amendments apply to articles beginning 180 days after enactment.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Importers and distributors of goods subject to the FD&C Act, including drugs, devices, and other articles; entities involved in importing goods refused admission.- U.S. Customs and FDA import operations, which would implement destruction orders and enforce the new prohibition on movement of destroyed articles.Secondary group/area affected- Manufacturers and suppliers of imported products that could be refused admission due to health concerns; potential compliance and quality-control implications.- Public health systems and consumers, who could benefit from more effective removal of hazardous imports from the market.Additional impacts- Regulatory burden and compliance costs for importers and regulators due to new destruction authorities and needed regulatory changes.- Trade and international considerations, given the requirement to ensure regulations are consistent with international agreements.

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