Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act
Summary
The Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It expands the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to destroy imported articles that pose a significant public health concern. The bill also prohibits the unauthorized movement of articles slated for destruction into interstate commerce, including export.
Expected Effects
The Act will allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to destroy a broader range of refused imported articles. This aims to prevent potentially harmful products from entering the US market. Regulations implementing these changes must be finalized within 90 days of enactment, with the amendments taking effect 180 days after enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced public health protection by preventing the distribution of hazardous imported goods.
- Streamlined process for removing dangerous products from the market.
- Clearer legal framework for dealing with refused articles.
- Could reduce healthcare costs associated with illnesses caused by unsafe imports.
- Improved consumer confidence in the safety of imported products.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased trade tensions if the destruction authority is perceived as unfairly targeting specific countries or products.
- Possible delays in the import process due to increased scrutiny.
- Increased costs for importers who may face destruction of their goods.
- Risk of errors in determining what constitutes a 'significant public health concern'.
- Could lead to shortages of certain goods if a large number of imports are destroyed.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare of the United States, as stated in the Preamble. Congress's power to regulate interstate and international commerce, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, supports the Act's provisions regarding the destruction of hazardous imports. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).