Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2715
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 613.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T21:35:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to give the Secretary of Health and Human Services expanded authority to order the destruction of certain imported articles refused admission into the United States when they pose a significant public health concern, rather than allowing export.
Key Provisions
- Destruction Authority: If an article is refused admission and found to present a significant public health concern, the Secretary may issue an order requiring its destruction without an export option.
- Timeline and Costs: The owner or consignee must destroy the article within 90 days of the order and bear all associated costs.
- Due Process: The Secretary must provide notice and an opportunity for the owner or consignee to appear and present testimony before destruction, which may occur alongside or separate from the refusal process.
- Prohibited Acts: Unauthorized movement or introduction into interstate commerce (including export) of an article subject to a destruction order is prohibited.
- Implementation: The amendments apply 30 days after final regulations are issued. Proposed regulations must be published within 18 months of enactment, with final rules due within one year thereafter.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill extends existing refusal and enforcement powers under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by creating a specific mechanism for mandatory destruction in cases of significant public health risks, removing the prior option for export in those instances. It also adds a new prohibited act related to handling such articles.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases operational authority for the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services to manage hazardous imports, potentially requiring additional resources for enforcement and regulatory development.
- Citizens: May enhance protection by preventing re-entry or redistribution of dangerous products through export.
- International Relations: Could affect trade by limiting options for foreign exporters or importers when articles are destroyed, possibly leading to disputes over import decisions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Importers, owners, and consignees of refused articles (such as food, drugs, or cosmetics).
- The Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration.
- Foreign manufacturers and exporters whose products enter the U.S. market.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill incorporates explicit due process protections, including notice and hearing opportunities, to address potential constitutional concerns regarding property rights. It represents a bipartisan effort with multiple sponsors from both parties and focuses on public health enforcement without altering broader trade or constitutional frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (18)
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 613.
- 2026-06-18: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-705.
- 2026-06-18: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-705.
- 2026-05-21: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 0.
- 2026-05-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-05-13: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-13: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-04-08: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-04-08: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-04-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (3 pages)
- Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (6 pages)