21 USC 384 - Recognition of foreign government inspections

Collapse to view only § 384e. Recognition of foreign government inspections

§ 381. Imports and exports
§ 382. Exports of certain unapproved products
§ 383. Office of International Relations
§ 384. Importation of prescription drugs
§ 384a. Foreign supplier verification program
§ 384b. Voluntary qualified importer program
§ 384c. Inspection of foreign food facilities
§ 384d. Accreditation of third-party auditors
§ 384e. Recognition of foreign government inspections
§ 384f. Strengthening FDA and CBP coordination and capacity
§ 384g. Restricting entrance of illicit drugs

§ 381. Imports and exports

(a) Imports; list of registered foreign establishments; samples from unregistered foreign establishments; examination and refusal of admission

(b) Disposition of refused articles

(d) Reimportation

(1)

(A) Except as provided in paragraph (2) and section 384 of this title, no drug subject to section 353(b) of this title or composed wholly or partly of insulin which is manufactured in a State and exported may be imported into the United States unless the drug is imported by the manufacturer of the drug.

(B) Except as authorized by the Secretary in the case of a drug that appears on the drug shortage list under section 356e of this title or in the case of importation pursuant to section 384 of this title, no drug that is subject to section 353(b)(1) of this title may be imported into the United States for commercial use if such drug is manufactured outside the United States, unless the manufacturer has authorized the drug to be marketed in the United States and has caused the drug to be labeled to be marketed in the United States.

(2) The Secretary may authorize the importation of a drug the importation of which is prohibited by paragraph (1) if the drug is required for emergency medical care.

(3)

(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), no component of a drug, no component part or accessory of a device, or other article of device requiring further processing, which is ready or suitable for use for health-related purposes, and no article of a food additive, color additive, or dietary supplement, including a product in bulk form, shall be excluded from importation into the United States under subsection (a) if each of the following conditions is met:

(i) The importer of such article of a drug or device or importer of such article of a food additive, color additive, or dietary supplement submits to the Secretary, at the time of initial importation, a statement in accordance with the following:(I) Such statement provides that such article is intended to be further processed by the initial owner or consignee, or incorporated by the initial owner or consignee, into a drug, biological product, device, food, food additive, color additive, or dietary supplement that will be exported by the initial owner or consignee from the United States in accordance with subsection (e) or section 382 of this title, or with section 351(h) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 262(h)].(II) The statement identifies the manufacturer of such article and each processor, packer, distributor, or other entity that had possession of the article in the chain of possession of the article from the manufacturer to such importer of the article.(III) The statement is accompanied by such certificates of analysis as are necessary to identify such article, unless the article is a device or is an article described in paragraph (4).

(ii) At the time of initial importation and before the delivery of such article to the importer or the initial owner or consignee, such owner or consignee executes a good and sufficient bond providing for the payment of such liquidated damages in the event of default as may be required pursuant to regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(iii) Such article is used and exported by the initial owner or consignee in accordance with the intent described under clause (i)(I), except for any portions of the article that are destroyed.

(iv) The initial owner or consignee maintains records on the use or destruction of such article or portions thereof, as the case may be, and submits to the Secretary any such records requested by the Secretary.

(v) Upon request of the Secretary, the initial owner or consignee submits a report that provides an accounting of the exportation or destruction of such article or portions thereof, and the manner in which such owner or consignee complied with the requirements of this subparagraph.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary may refuse admission to an article that otherwise would be imported into the United States under such subparagraph if the Secretary determines that there is credible evidence or information indicating that such article is not intended to be further processed by the initial owner or consignee, or incorporated by the initial owner or consignee, into a drug, biological product, device, food, food additive, color additive, or dietary supplement that will be exported by the initial owner or consignee from the United States in accordance with subsection (e) or section 382 of this title, or with section 351(h) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 262(h)].

(C) This section may not be construed as affecting the responsibility of the Secretary to ensure that articles imported into the United States under authority of subparagraph (A) meet each of the conditions established in such subparagraph for importation.

(4) The importation into the United States of blood, blood components, source plasma, or source leukocytes or of a component, accessory, or part thereof is not permitted pursuant to paragraph (3) unless the importation complies with section 351(a) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 262(a)] or the Secretary permits the importation under appropriate circumstances and conditions, as determined by the Secretary. The importation of tissue or a component or part of tissue is not permitted pursuant to paragraph (3) unless the importation complies with section 361 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 264].

(e) Exports

(1) A food, drug, device, tobacco product or cosmetic intended for export shall not be deemed to be adulterated or misbranded under this chapter, and a tobacco product intended for export shall not be deemed to be in violation of section 387f(e), 387g, 387k, or 387t(a) of this title, if it—

(A) accords to the specifications of the foreign purchaser,

(B) is not in conflict with the laws of the country to which it is intended for export,

(D) is not sold or offered for sale in domestic commerce.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any device—

(A) which does not comply with an applicable requirement of section 360d or 360e of this title,

(B) which under section 360j(g) of this title is exempt from either such section, or

unless, in addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), either (i) the Secretary has determined that the exportation of the device is not contrary to public health and safety and has the approval of the country to which it is intended for export or (ii) the device is eligible for export under section 382 of this title.

(3) A new animal drug that requires approval under section 360b of this title shall not be exported pursuant to paragraph (1) if such drug has been banned in the United States.

(4)

(A) Any person who exports a food, drug, animal drug, or device may request that the Secretary—

(i) certify in writing that the exported food, drug, animal drug, or device meets the requirements of paragraph (1) or section 382 of this title; or

(ii) certify in writing that the food, drug, animal drug, or device being exported meets the applicable requirements of this chapter upon a showing that the food, drug or device meets the applicable requirements of this chapter.

The Secretary shall issue such a certification within 20 days of the receipt of a request for such certification.

(B) If the Secretary issues a written export certification within the 20 days prescribed by subparagraph (A), a fee for such certification may be charged but shall not exceed $175 for each certification. Fees collected for a fiscal year pursuant to this subparagraph shall be credited to the appropriation account for salaries and expenses of the Food and Drug Administration and shall be available in accordance with appropriations Acts until expended without fiscal year limitation. Such fees shall be collected in each fiscal year in an amount equal to the amount specified in appropriations Acts for such fiscal year and shall only be collected and available for the costs of the Food and Drug Administration.

(C) For purposes of this paragraph, a certification by the Secretary shall be made on such basis, and in such form (including a publicly available listing) as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(D) With regard to fees pursuant to subparagraph (B) in connection with written export certifications for food:

(i) Such fees shall be collected and available solely for the costs of the Food and Drug Administration associated with issuing such certifications.

(ii) Such fees may not be retained in an amount that exceeds such costs for the respective fiscal year.

(E)

(i)(I) If the Secretary denies a request for certification under subparagraph (A)(ii) with respect to a device manufactured in an establishment (foreign or domestic) registered under section 360 of this title, the Secretary shall provide in writing to the person seeking such certification the basis for such denial, and specifically identify the finding upon which such denial is based.(II) If the denial of a request as described in subclause (I) is based on grounds other than an injunction proceeding pursuant to section 332 of this title, seizure action pursuant to section 334 of this title, or a recall designated Class I or Class II pursuant to part 7, title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, and is based on the facility being out of compliance with part 820 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, the Secretary shall provide a substantive summary of the specific grounds for noncompliance identified by the Secretary.(III) With respect to a device manufactured in an establishment that has received a report under section 374(b) of this title, the Secretary shall not deny a request for certification as described in subclause (I) with respect to a device based solely on the issuance of that report if the owner, operator, or agent in charge of such establishment has agreed to a plan of correction in response to such report.

(ii)(I) The Secretary shall provide a process for a person who is denied a certification as described in clause (i)(I) to request a review that conforms to the standards of section 360g–1(b) of this title.(II) Notwithstanding any previous review conducted pursuant to subclause (I), a person who has been denied a certification as described in clause (i)(I) may at any time request a review in order to present new information relating to actions taken by such person to address the reasons identified by the Secretary for the denial of certification, including evidence that corrective actions are being or have been implemented to address grounds for noncompliance identified by the Secretary.(III) Not later than 1 year after August 18, 2017, the Secretary shall issue guidance providing for a process to carry out this subparagraph. Not later than 1 year after the close of the comment period for such guidance, the Secretary shall issue final guidance.

(F)

(i) This paragraph applies to requests for certification under this subparagraph of a device manufactured by a device establishment located outside of the United States that is registered under section 360 of this title, if the device is listed pursuant to section 360(j) of this title, the device has been cleared, approved, or is not required to submit a premarket report pursuant to subsection (l) or (m) of section 360 of this title, and the device is imported or offered for import into the United States.

(ii) The Secretary shall issue the certification as described in clause (iii) if the device or devices for which certification is requested under this subparagraph meet the applicable requirements of this chapter.

(iii)(I) A certification for a device described in clause (i) shall be subject to the fee described in subparagraph (B).(II) Notwithstanding subparagraph (C), a certification for a device described in clause (i) shall address and include the same material information as a “Certificate to Foreign Government” and shall have a document title including the words “Certificate to Foreign Government”.

(iv) The requirements and procedures of subparagraph (E) shall apply to a denial of a certification under this subparagraph.

(f) Labeling of exported drugs

(1) If a drug (other than insulin, an antibiotic drug, an animal drug, or a drug exported under section 382 of this title) being exported in accordance with subsection (e) is being exported to a country that has different or additional labeling requirements or conditions for use and such country requires the drug to be labeled in accordance with those requirements or uses, such drug may be labeled in accordance with such requirements and conditions for use in the country to which such drug is being exported if it also is labeled in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

(2) If, pursuant to paragraph (1), the labeling of an exported drug includes conditions for use that have not been approved under this chapter, the labeling must state that such conditions for use have not been approved under this chapter. A drug exported under section 382 of this title is exempt from this section.

(g) Warning notice of importation in violation of chapter

(1) With respect to a prescription drug being imported or offered for import into the United States, the Secretary, in the case of an individual who is not in the business of such importations, may not send a warning notice to the individual unless the following conditions are met:

(A) The notice specifies, as applicable to the importation of the drug, that the Secretary has made a determination that—

(i) importation is in violation of subsection (a) because the drug is or appears to be adulterated, misbranded, or in violation of section 355 of this title;

(ii) importation is in violation of subsection (a) because the drug is or appears to be forbidden or restricted in sale in the country in which it was produced or from which it was exported;

(iii) importation is or appears to be in violation of subsection (d)(1); or

(iv) importation otherwise is or appears to be in violation of Federal law.

(B) The notice does not specify any provision described in subparagraph (A) that is not applicable to the importation of the drug.

(C) The notice states the reasons underlying such determination by the Secretary, including a brief application to the principal facts involved of the provision of law described in subparagraph (A) that is the basis of the determination by the Secretary.

(2) For purposes of this section, the term “warning notice”, with respect to the importation of a drug, means a communication from the Secretary (written or otherwise) notifying a person, or clearly suggesting to the person, that importing the drug for personal use is, or appears to be, a violation of this chapter.

(h) Protection against adulteration of food

(1) The Secretary shall give high priority to increasing the number of inspections under this section for the purpose of enabling the Secretary to inspect food offered for import at ports of entry into the United States, with the greatest priority given to inspections to detect the intentional adulteration of food.

(2) The Secretary shall give high priority to making necessary improvements to the information management systems of the Food and Drug Administration that contain information related to foods imported or offered for import into the United States for purposes of improving the ability of the Secretary to allocate resources, detect the intentional adulteration of food, and facilitate the importation of food that is in compliance with this chapter.

(3) The Secretary shall improve linkages with other regulatory agencies of the Federal Government that share responsibility for food safety, and shall with respect to such safety improve linkages with the States and Indian tribes (as defined in section 5304(e) of title 25).

(i) Testing for rapid detection of adulteration of food

(1) For use in inspections of food under this section, the Secretary shall provide for research on the development of tests and sampling methodologies—

(A) whose purpose is to test food in order to rapidly detect the adulteration of the food, with the greatest priority given to detect the intentional adulteration of food; and

(B) whose results offer significant improvements over the available technology in terms of accuracy, timing, or costs.

(2) In providing for research under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to conducting research on the development of tests that are suitable for inspections of food at ports of entry into the United States.

(3) In providing for research under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall as appropriate coordinate with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretary of Agriculture.

(4) The Secretary shall annually submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report describing the progress made in research under paragraph (1), including progress regarding paragraph (2).

(j) Temporary holds at ports of entry

(1) If an officer or qualified employee of the Food and Drug Administration has credible evidence or information indicating that an article of food presents a threat of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals, and such officer or qualified employee is unable to inspect, examine, or investigate such article upon the article being offered for import at a port of entry into the United States, the officer or qualified employee shall request the Secretary of Treasury to hold the food at the port of entry for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 24 hours, for the purpose of enabling the Secretary to inspect, examine, or investigate the article as appropriate.

(2) The Secretary shall request the Secretary of Treasury to remove an article held pursuant to paragraph (1) to a secure facility, as appropriate. During the period of time that such article is so held, the article shall not be transferred by any person from the port of entry into the United States for the article, or from the secure facility to which the article has been removed, as the case may be. Subsection (b) does not authorize the delivery of the article pursuant to the execution of a bond while the article is so held.

(3) An officer or qualified employee of the Food and Drug Administration may make a request under paragraph (1) only if the Secretary or an official designated by the Secretary approves the request. An official may not be so designated unless the official is the director of the district under this chapter in which the article involved is located, or is an official senior to such director.

(4) With respect to an article of food for which a request under paragraph (1) is made, the Secretary, promptly after the request is made, shall notify the State in which the port of entry involved is located that the request has been made, and as applicable, that such article is being held under this subsection.

(k) Importation by debarred persons

(1) If an article of food is being imported or offered for import into the United States, and the importer, owner, or consignee of the article is a person who has been debarred under section 335a(b)(3) of this title, such article shall be held at the port of entry for the article, and may not be delivered to such person. Subsection (b) does not authorize the delivery of the article pursuant to the execution of a bond while the article is so held. The article shall be removed to a secure facility, as appropriate. During the period of time that such article is so held, the article shall not be transferred by any person from the port of entry into the United States for the article, or from the secure facility to which the article has been removed, as the case may be.

(2) An article of food held under paragraph (1) may be delivered to a person who is not a debarred person under section 335a(b)(3) of this title if such person affirmatively establishes, at the expense of the person, that the article complies with the requirements of this chapter, as determined by the Secretary.

(l) Failure to register

(1)2

2 So in original. No par. (2) has been enacted.

If an article of food is being imported or offered for import into the United States, and such article is from a foreign facility for which a registration has not been submitted to the Secretary under section 350d of this title (or for which a registration has been suspended under such section), such article shall be held at the port of entry for the article, and may not be delivered to the importer, owner, or consignee of the article, until the foreign facility is so registered. Subsection (b) does not authorize the delivery of the article pursuant to the execution of a bond while the article is so held. The article shall be removed to a secure facility, as appropriate. During the period of time that such article is so held, the article shall not be transferred by any person from the port of entry into the United States for the article, or from the secure facility to which the article has been removed, as the case may be.

(m) Prior notice of imported food shipments

(1) In the case of an article of food that is being imported or offered for import into the United States, the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall by regulation require, for the purpose of enabling such article to be inspected at ports of entry into the United States, the submission to the Secretary of a notice providing the identity of each of the following: The article; the manufacturer and shipper of the article; if known within the specified period of time that notice is required to be provided, the grower of the article; the country from which the article originates; the country from which the article is shipped; any country to which the article has been refused entry; and the anticipated port of entry for the article. An article of food imported or offered for import without submission of such notice in accordance with the requirements under this paragraph shall be refused admission into the United States. Nothing in this section may be construed as a limitation on the port of entry for an article of food.

(2)

(A) Regulations under paragraph (1) shall require that a notice under such paragraph be provided by a specified period of time in advance of the time of the importation of the article of food involved or the offering of the food for import, which period shall be no less than the minimum amount of time necessary for the Secretary to receive, review, and appropriately respond to such notification, but may not exceed five days. In determining the specified period of time required under this subparagraph, the Secretary may consider, but is not limited to consideration of, the effect on commerce of such period of time, the locations of the various ports of entry into the United States, the various modes of transportation, the types of food imported into the United States, and any other such consideration. Nothing in the preceding sentence may be construed as a limitation on the obligation of the Secretary to receive, review, and appropriately respond to any notice under paragraph (1).

(B)

(i) If an article of food is being imported or offered for import into the United States and a notice under paragraph (1) is not provided in advance in accordance with the requirements under paragraph (1), such article shall be held at the port of entry for the article, and may not be delivered to the importer, owner, or consignee of the article, until such notice is submitted to the Secretary, and the Secretary examines the notice and determines that the notice is in accordance with the requirements under paragraph (1). Subsection (b) does not authorize the delivery of the article pursuant to the execution of a bond while the article is so held. The article shall be removed to a secure facility, as appropriate. During the period of time that such article is so held, the article shall not be transferred by any person from the port of entry into the United States for the article, or from the secure facility to which the article has been removed, as the case may be.

(ii) In carrying out clause (i) with respect to an article of food, the Secretary shall determine whether there is in the possession of the Secretary any credible evidence or information indicating that such article presents a threat of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals.

(3)

(A) This subsection may not be construed as limiting the authority of the Secretary to obtain information under any other provision of this chapter.

(B) This subsection may not be construed as authorizing the Secretary to impose any requirements with respect to a food to the extent that it is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.), or the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.).

(n) Labeling of food refused admission

(1) If a food has been refused admission under subsection (a), other than such a food that is required to be destroyed, the Secretary may require the owner or consignee of the food to affix to the container of the food a label that clearly and conspicuously bears the statement: “UNITED STATES: REFUSED ENTRY”.

(2) All expenses in connection with affixing a label under paragraph (1) shall be paid by the owner or consignee of the food involved, and in default of such payment, shall constitute a lien against future importations made by such owner or consignee.

(3) A requirement under paragraph (1) remains in effect until the Secretary determines that the food involved has been brought into compliance with this chapter.

(o) Registration statement

(p) Report

(1) Not later than 36 months after June 22, 2009, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, a report regarding—

(A) the nature, extent, and destination of United States tobacco product exports that do not conform to tobacco product standards established pursuant to this chapter;

(B) the public health implications of such exports, including any evidence of a negative public health impact; and

(C) recommendations or assessments of policy alternatives available to Congress and the executive branch to reduce any negative public health impact caused by such exports.

(2) The Secretary is authorized to establish appropriate information disclosure requirements to carry out this subsection.

(q) Certifications concerning imported foods

(1) In general

(2) Factors to be considered in requiring certificationThe Secretary shall base the determination that an article of food is required to have a certification described in paragraph (1) on the risk of the food, including—

(A) known safety risks associated with the food;

(B) known food safety risks associated with the country, territory, or region of origin of the food;

(i) the food safety programs, systems, and standards in the country, territory, or region of origin of the food are inadequate to ensure that the article of food is as safe as a similar article of food that is manufactured, processed, packed, or held in the United States in accordance with the requirements of this chapter; and

(ii) the certification would assist the Secretary in determining whether to refuse or admit the article of food under subsection (a); and

(D) information submitted to the Secretary in accordance with the process established in paragraph (7).

(3) Certifying entitiesFor purposes of paragraph (1), entities that shall provide the certification or assurances described in such paragraph are—

(A) an agency or a representative of the government of the country from which the article of food at issue originated, as designated by the Secretary; or

(B) such other persons or entities accredited pursuant to section 384d of this title to provide such certification or assurance.

(4) Renewal and refusal of certificationsThe Secretary may—

(A) require that any certification or other assurance provided by an entity specified in paragraph (2) be renewed by such entity at such times as the Secretary determines appropriate; and

(B) refuse to accept any certification or assurance if the Secretary determines that such certification or assurance is not valid or reliable.

(5) Electronic submission

(6) False statements

(7) Assessment of food safety programs, systems, and standards

(r) Standards for admission of imported drugs

(1) The Secretary may require, pursuant to the regulations promulgated under paragraph (4)(A), as a condition of granting admission to a drug imported or offered for import into the United States, that the importer electronically submit information demonstrating that the drug complies with applicable requirements of this chapter.

(2) The information described under paragraph (1) may include—

(A) information demonstrating the regulatory status of the drug, such as the new drug application, abbreviated new drug application, or investigational new drug or drug master file number;

(B) facility information, such as proof of registration and the unique facility identifier;

(C) indication of compliance with current good manufacturing practice, testing results, certifications relating to satisfactory inspections, and compliance with the country of export regulations; and

(D) any other information deemed necessary and appropriate by the Secretary to assess compliance of the article being offered for import.

(3) Information requirements referred to in paragraph (2)(C) may, at the discretion of the Secretary, be satisfied—

(A) through representation by a foreign government, if an inspection is conducted by a foreign government using standards and practices as determined appropriate by the Secretary;

(B) through representation by a foreign government or an agency of a foreign government recognized under section 384e of this title; or

(4)

(A) Not later than 18 months after July 9, 2012, the Secretary shall adopt final regulations implementing this subsection. Such requirements shall be appropriate for the type of import, such as whether the drug is for import into the United States for use in preclinical research or in a clinical investigation under an investigational new drug exemption under 355(i) 3

3 So in original. Probably should be preceded by “section”.

of this title.

(B) In promulgating the regulations under subparagraph (A), the Secretary—

(i) may, as appropriate, take into account differences among importers and types of imports, and, based on the level of risk posed by the imported drug, provide for expedited clearance for those importers that volunteer to participate in partnership programs for highly compliant companies and pass a review of internal controls, including sourcing of foreign manufacturing inputs, and plant inspections; and

(ii) shall—(I) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking that includes the proposed regulation;(II) provide a period of not less than 60 days for comments on the proposed regulation; and(III) publish the final regulation not less than 30 days before the effective date of the regulation.

(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations implementing this subsection only as described in subparagraph (B).

(s) Registration of commercial importers

(1) RegistrationThe Secretary shall require a commercial importer of drugs—

(A) to be registered with the Secretary in a form and manner specified by the Secretary; and

(B) subject to paragraph (4), to submit, at the time of registration, a unique identifier for the principal place of business for which the importer is required to register under this subsection.

(2) Regulations

(A) In general

(B) ProcedureIn promulgating a regulation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—

(i) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking that includes the proposed regulation;

(ii) provide a period of not less than 60 days for comments on the proposed regulation; and

(iii) publish the final regulation not less than 30 days before the regulation’s effective date.

(D) Effective date

(3) Discontinuance of registration

(4) Unique facility identifier

(5) Exemptions

(t) Single source pattern of imported illegal drugs

(u) Illicit articles containing active pharmaceutical ingredients

(1) In generalFor purposes of this section, an article that is being imported or offered for import into the United States may be treated by the Secretary as a drug if the article—

(A) is not—

(i) accompanied by an electronic import entry for such article submitted using an authorized electronic data interchange system; and

(ii) designated in such a system as an article regulated by the Secretary (which may include regulation as a drug, a device, a dietary supplement, or other product that is regulated under this chapter); and

(B) is an ingredient that presents significant public health concern and is, or contains—

(i) an active ingredient in a drug—(I) that is approved under section 355 of this title or licensed under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 262]; or(II) for which—(aa) an investigational use exemption has been authorized under section 355(i) of this title or section 351(a) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 262(a)]; and(bb) a substantial clinical investigation has been instituted, and such investigation has been made public; or

(ii) a substance that has a chemical structure that is substantially similar to the chemical structure of an active ingredient in a drug or biological product described in subclause (I) or (II) of clause (i).

(2) Effect

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 801, 52 Stat. 1058; Oct. 18, 1949, ch. 696, §§ 1–3, 63 Stat. 882; Pub. L. 87–781, title III, § 306, Oct. 10, 1962, 76 Stat. 796; Pub. L. 90–399, § 106, July 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 353; Pub. L. 91–513, title II, § 701(h), Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1282; Pub. L. 94–295, §§ 3(f), 4(b)(3), May 28, 1976, 90 Stat. 578, 580; Pub. L. 100–293, § 3, Apr. 22, 1988, 102 Stat. 96; Pub. L. 102–300, § 6(b)(1), June 16, 1992, 106 Stat. 240; Pub. L. 102–353, § 5, Aug. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 943; Pub. L. 103–80, § 3(cc), (dd)(1), Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 778, 779; Pub. L. 104–134, title II, § 2102(a)–(c), Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–313, 1321–314; Pub. L. 104–180, title VI, § 603(a), (b), Aug. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 1594, 1595; Pub. L. 105–115, title I, § 125(a)(2)(D), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2325; Pub. L. 106–387, § 1(a) [title VII, §§ 745(c)(1), 746(c)], Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1549, 1549A–36, 1549A–40; Pub. L. 107–188, title III, §§ 302(a)–(d), 303(c), 304(e), 305(c), 307(a), 308(a), 321(b)(1), 322(a), June 12, 2002, 116 Stat. 662, 663, 665, 667, 668, 670, 672, 676; Pub. L. 109–462, § 5(a), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3475; Pub. L. 110–85, title IX, § 912(b)(2), Sept. 27, 2007, 121 Stat. 952; Pub. L. 111–31, div. A, title I, § 103(l), June 22, 2009, 123 Stat. 1837; Pub. L. 111–353, title I, §§ 102(b)(3), 107(b), title II, § 204(j)(2), title III, §§ 301(c), 303(a)–(c), 304(a), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3889, 3910, 3937, 3955–3957; Pub. L. 112–144, title VII, §§ 708(a), (b), 713, 714(b), July 9, 2012, 126 Stat. 1068, 1072, 1073; Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title III, § 3101(a)(2)(W)(i), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1155; Pub. L. 115–52, title VI, § 604(a), title VII, § 704, Aug. 18, 2017, 131 Stat. 1048, 1056; Pub. L. 115–271, title III, §§ 3012(c), 3013, 3022(c), (d), Oct. 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 3936, 3939, 3940; Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, § 3856(a), Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 458; Pub. L. 116–304, § 2(a), Jan. 5, 2021, 134 Stat. 4915; Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title III, §§ 3304, 3503(a)(4)(C), (D), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5832, 5858.)

§ 382. Exports of certain unapproved products

(a) Drugs or devices intended for human or animal use which require approval or licensingA drug or device—

(1) which, in the case of a drug—

(A)

(i) requires approval by the Secretary under section 355 of this title before such drug may be introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce; or

(ii) requires licensing by the Secretary under section 262 of title 42 or by the Secretary of Agriculture under the Act of March 4, 1913 [21 U.S.C. 151 et seq.] (known as the Virus-Serum Toxin Act) before it may be introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce;

(B) does not have such approval or license; and

(2) which, in the case of a device—

(A) does not comply with an applicable requirement under section 360d or 360e of this title;

(B) under section 360j(g) of this title is exempt from either such section; or

(C) is a banned device under section 360f of this title, is adulterated, misbranded, and in violation of such sections or Act unless the export of the drug or device is, except as provided in subsection (f), authorized under subsection (b), (c), (d), or (e) or section 381(e)(2) of this title. If a drug or device described in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be exported under subsection (b) and if an application for such drug or device under section 355 or 360e of this title or section 262 of title 42 was disapproved, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate public health official of the country to which such drug will be exported of such disapproval.

(b) List of eligible countries for export; criteria for addition to list; direct export; petition for exemption

(1)

(A) A drug or device described in subsection (a) may be exported to any country, if the drug or device complies with the laws of that country and has valid marketing authorization by the appropriate authority—

(i) in Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, or South Africa; or

(ii) in the European Union or a country in the European Economic Area (the countries in the European Union and the European Free Trade Association) if the drug or device is marketed in that country or the drug or device is authorized for general marketing in the European Economic Area.

(B) The Secretary may designate an additional country to be included in the list of countries described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) if all of the following requirements are met in such country:

(i) Statutory or regulatory requirements which require the review of drugs and devices for safety and effectiveness by an entity of the government of such country and which authorize the approval of only those drugs and devices which have been determined to be safe and effective by experts employed by or acting on behalf of such entity and qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drugs and devices on the basis of adequate and well-controlled investigations, including clinical investigations, conducted by experts qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drugs and devices.

(ii) Statutory or regulatory requirements that the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for—(I) the manufacture, processing, and packing of drugs in the country are adequate to preserve their identity, quality, purity, and strength; and(II) the manufacture, preproduction design validation, packing, storage, and installation of a device are adequate to assure that the device will be safe and effective.

(iii) Statutory or regulatory requirements for the reporting of adverse reactions to drugs and devices and procedures to withdraw approval and remove drugs and devices found not to be safe or effective.

(iv) Statutory or regulatory requirements that the labeling and promotion of drugs and devices must be in accordance with the approval of the drug or device.

(v) The valid marketing authorization system in such country or countries is equivalent to the systems in the countries described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A).

The Secretary shall not delegate the authority granted under this subparagraph.

(C) An appropriate country official, manufacturer, or exporter may request the Secretary to take action under subparagraph (B) to designate an additional country or countries to be added to the list of countries described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) by submitting documentation to the Secretary in support of such designation. Any person other than a country requesting such designation shall include, along with the request, a letter from the country indicating the desire of such country to be designated.

(2) A drug described in subsection (a) may be directly exported to a country which is not listed in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) if—

(A) the drug complies with the laws of that country and has valid marketing authorization by the responsible authority in that country; and

(B) the Secretary determines that all of the following requirements are met in that country:

(i) Statutory or regulatory requirements which require the review of drugs for safety and effectiveness by an entity of the government of such country and which authorize the approval of only those drugs which have been determined to be safe and effective by experts employed by or acting on behalf of such entity and qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drugs on the basis of adequate and well-controlled investigations, including clinical investigations, conducted by experts qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drugs.

(ii) Statutory or regulatory requirements that the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for the manufacture, processing, and packing of drugs in the country are adequate to preserve their identity, quality, purity, and strength.

(iii) Statutory or regulatory requirements for the reporting of adverse reactions to drugs and procedures to withdraw approval and remove drugs found not to be safe or effective.

(iv) Statutory or regulatory requirements that the labeling and promotion of drugs must be in accordance with the approval of the drug.

(3) The exporter of a drug described in subsection (a) which would not meet the conditions for approval under this chapter or conditions for approval of a country described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) may petition the Secretary for authorization to export such drug to a country which is not described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) or which is not described in paragraph (2). The Secretary shall permit such export if—

(A) the person exporting the drug—

(i) certifies that the drug would not meet the conditions for approval under this chapter or the conditions for approval of a country described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A); and

(ii) provides the Secretary with credible scientific evidence, acceptable to the Secretary, that the drug would be safe and effective under the conditions of use in the country to which it is being exported; and

(B) the appropriate health authority in the country to which the drug is being exported—

(i) requests approval of the export of the drug to such country;

(ii) certifies that the health authority understands that the drug is not approved under this chapter or in a country described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A); and

(iii) concurs that the scientific evidence provided pursuant to subparagraph (A) is credible scientific evidence that the drug would be reasonably safe and effective in such country.

The Secretary shall take action on a request for export of a drug under this paragraph within 60 days of receiving such request.

(d) Anticipation of market authorization

(e) Diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of tropical disease

(1) A drug or device which is used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a tropical disease or another disease not of significant prevalence in the United States and which does not otherwise qualify for export under this section shall, upon approval of an application, be permitted to be exported if the Secretary finds that the drug or device will not expose patients in such country to an unreasonable risk of illness or injury and the probable benefit to health from the use of the drug or device (under conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling or proposed labeling of the drug or device) outweighs the risk of injury or illness from its use, taking into account the probable risks and benefits of currently available drug or device treatment.

(2) The holder of an approved application for the export of a drug or device under this subsection shall report to the Secretary—

(A) the receipt of any credible information indicating that the drug or device is being or may have been exported from a country for which the Secretary made a finding under paragraph (1)(A) to a country for which the Secretary cannot make such a finding; and

(B) the receipt of any information indicating adverse reactions to such drug.

(3)

(A) If the Secretary determines that—

(i) a drug or device for which an application is approved under paragraph (1) does not continue to meet the requirements of such paragraph; or

(ii) the holder of an approved application under paragraph (1) has not made the report required by paragraph (2),

the Secretary may, after providing the holder of the application an opportunity for an informal hearing, withdraw the approved application.

(B) If the Secretary determines that the holder of an approved application under paragraph (1) or an importer is exporting a drug or device from the United States to an importer and such importer is exporting the drug or device to a country for which the Secretary cannot make a finding under paragraph (1) and such export presents an imminent hazard, the Secretary shall immediately prohibit the export of the drug or device to such importer, provide the person exporting the drug or device from the United States prompt notice of the prohibition, and afford such person an opportunity for an expedited hearing.

(f) Prohibition of export of drug or deviceA drug or device may not be exported under this section—

(1) if the drug or device is not manufactured, processed, packaged, and held in substantial conformity with current good manufacturing practice requirements or does not meet international standards as certified by an international standards organization recognized by the Secretary;

(2) if the drug or device is adulterated under clause (1), (2)(A), or (3) of section 351(a) or subsection (c) or (d) of section 351 of this title;

(3) if the requirements of subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 381(e)(1) of this title have not been met;

(4)

(A) if the drug or device is the subject of a notice by the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture of a determination that the probability of reimportation of the exported drug or device would present an imminent hazard to the public health and safety of the United States and the only means of limiting the hazard is to prohibit the export of the drug or device; or

(B) if the drug or device presents an imminent hazard to the public health of the country to which the drug or device would be exported;

(5) if the labeling of the drug or device is not—

(A) in accordance with the requirements and conditions for use in—

(i) the country in which the drug or device received valid marketing authorization under subsection (b); and

(ii) the country to which the drug or device would be exported; and

(B) in the language and units of measurement of the country to which the drug or device would be exported or in the language designated by such country; or

(6) if the drug or device is not promoted in accordance with the labeling requirements set forth in paragraph (5).

In making a finding under paragraph (4)(B), (5), or (6) the Secretary shall consult with the appropriate public health official in the affected country.

(g) Notification of Secretary

(h) References to Secretary and term “drug”For purposes of this section—

(1) a reference to the Secretary shall in the case of a biological product which is required to be licensed under the Act of March 4, 1913 [21 U.S.C. 151 et seq.] (37 Stat. 832–833) (commonly known as the Virus-Serum Toxin Act) be considered to be a reference to the Secretary of Agriculture, and

(2) the term “drug” includes drugs for human use as well as biologicals under section 262 of title 42 or the Act of March 4, 1913 (37 Stat. 832–833) (commonly known as the Virus-Serum Toxin Act).

(i) Exportation

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 802, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title I, § 102(2), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3743; amended Pub. L. 104–134, title III, § 2102(d)(1), Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–315; Pub. L. 104–180, title VI, § 603(c), Aug. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 1595; Pub. L. 105–115, title I, § 125(c), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2326.)

§ 383. Office of International Relations

(a) Establishment

(b) Agreements with foreign countriesIn carrying out the functions of the office under subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into agreements with foreign countries to facilitate commerce in devices between the United States and such countries consistent with the requirements of this chapter. In such agreements, the Secretary shall encourage the mutual recognition of—

(1) good manufacturing practice regulations promulgated under section 360j(f) of this title, and

(2) other regulations and testing protocols as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(1) The Secretary shall support the Office of the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, in meetings with representatives of other countries to discuss methods and approaches to reduce the burden of regulation and harmonize regulatory requirements if the Secretary determines that such harmonization continues consumer protections consistent with the purposes of this chapter.

(2) The Secretary shall support the Office of the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, in efforts to move toward the acceptance of mutual recognition agreements relating to the regulation of drugs, biological products, devices, foods, food additives, and color additives, and the regulation of good manufacturing practices, between the European Union and the United States.

(3)

(A) The Secretary shall regularly participate in meetings with representatives of other foreign governments to discuss and reach agreement on methods and approaches to harmonize regulatory requirements.

(B) In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary may participate in appropriate fora, including the International Medical Device Regulators Forum, and may—

(i) provide guidance to such fora on strategies, policies, directions, membership, and other activities of a forum as appropriate;

(ii) to the extent appropriate, solicit, review, and consider comments from industry, academia, health care professionals, and patient groups regarding the activities of such fora; and

(iii) to the extent appropriate, inform the public of the Secretary’s activities within such fora, and share with the public any documentation relating to a forum’s strategies, policies, and other activities of such fora.

(4) With respect to devices, the Secretary may, when appropriate, enter into arrangements with nations regarding methods and approaches to harmonizing regulatory requirements for activities, including inspections and common international labeling symbols.

(5) Paragraphs (1) through (4) shall not apply with respect to products defined in section 321(ff) of this title.

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 803, as added Pub. L. 101–629, § 15(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4525; amended Pub. L. 105–115, title IV, § 410(b), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2373; Pub. L. 112–144, title VI, §§ 609, 610, July 9, 2012, 126 Stat. 1059.)

§ 384. Importation of prescription drugs

(a) DefinitionsIn this section:

(1) Importer

(2) Pharmacist

(3) Prescription drugThe term “prescription drug” means a drug subject to section 353(b) of this title, other than—

(A) a controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of this title);

(B) a biological product (as defined in section 262 of title 42);

(D) an intravenously injected drug;

(E) a drug that is inhaled during surgery; or

(F) a drug which is a parenteral drug, the importation of which pursuant to subsection (b) is determined by the Secretary to pose a threat to the public health, in which case section 381(d)(1) of this title shall continue to apply.

(4) Qualifying laboratory

(5) Wholesaler

(A) In general

(B) Exclusion

(b) Regulations

(1) require that safeguards be in place to ensure that each prescription drug imported under the regulations complies with section 355 of this title (including with respect to being safe and effective for the intended use of the prescription drug), with sections 351 and 352 of this title, and with other applicable requirements of this chapter;

(2) require that an importer of a prescription drug under the regulations comply with subsections (d)(1) and (e); and

(3) contain any additional provisions determined by the Secretary to be appropriate as a safeguard to protect the public health or as a means to facilitate the importation of prescription drugs.

(d) Information and records

(1) In generalThe regulations under subsection (b) shall require an importer of a prescription drug under subsection (b) to submit to the Secretary the following information and documentation:

(A) The name and quantity of the active ingredient of the prescription drug.

(B) A description of the dosage form of the prescription drug.

(D) The quantity of the prescription drug that is shipped.

(E) The point of origin and destination of the prescription drug.

(F) The price paid by the importer for the prescription drug.

(G) Documentation from the foreign seller specifying—

(i) the original source of the prescription drug; and

(ii) the quantity of each lot of the prescription drug originally received by the seller from that source.

(H) The lot or control number assigned to the prescription drug by the manufacturer of the prescription drug.

(I) The name, address, telephone number, and professional license number (if any) of the importer.

(J)

(i) In the case of a prescription drug that is shipped directly from the first foreign recipient of the prescription drug from the manufacturer:(I) Documentation demonstrating that the prescription drug was received by the recipient from the manufacturer and subsequently shipped by the first foreign recipient to the importer.(II) Documentation of the quantity of each lot of the prescription drug received by the first foreign recipient demonstrating that the quantity being imported into the United States is not more than the quantity that was received by the first foreign recipient.(III)(aa) In the case of an initial imported shipment, documentation demonstrating that each batch of the prescription drug in the shipment was statistically sampled and tested for authenticity and degradation.(bb) In the case of any subsequent shipment, documentation demonstrating that a statistically valid sample of the shipment was tested for authenticity and degradation.

(ii) In the case of a prescription drug that is not shipped directly from the first foreign recipient of the prescription drug from the manufacturer, documentation demonstrating that each batch in each shipment offered for importation into the United States was statistically sampled and tested for authenticity and degradation.

(K) Certification from the importer or manufacturer of the prescription drug that the prescription drug—

(i) is approved for marketing in the United States and is not adulterated or misbranded; and

(ii) meets all labeling requirements under this chapter.

(L) Laboratory records, including complete data derived from all tests necessary to ensure that the prescription drug is in compliance with established specifications and standards.

(M) Documentation demonstrating that the testing required by subparagraphs (J) and (L) was conducted at a qualifying laboratory.

(N) Any other information that the Secretary determines is necessary to ensure the protection of the public health.

(2) Maintenance by the Secretary

(e) TestingThe regulations under subsection (b) shall require—

(1) that testing described in subparagraphs (J) and (L) of subsection (d)(1) be conducted by the importer or by the manufacturer of the prescription drug at a qualified laboratory;

(2) if the tests are conducted by the importer—

(A) that information needed to—

(i) authenticate the prescription drug being tested; and

(ii) confirm that the labeling of the prescription drug complies with labeling requirements under this chapter;

be supplied by the manufacturer of the prescription drug to the pharmacist or wholesaler; and

(B) that the information supplied under subparagraph (A) be kept in strict confidence and used only for purposes of testing or otherwise complying with this chapter; and

(3) may include such additional provisions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to provide for the protection of trade secrets and commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential.

(f) Registration of foreign sellers

(g) Suspension of importation

(h) Approved labeling

(i) Charitable contributions

(j) Waiver authority for importation by individuals

(1) DeclarationsCongress declares that in the enforcement against individuals of the prohibition of importation of prescription drugs and devices, the Secretary should—

(A) focus enforcement on cases in which the importation by an individual poses a significant threat to public health; and

(B) exercise discretion to permit individuals to make such importations in circumstances in which—

(i) the importation is clearly for personal use; and

(ii) the prescription drug or device imported does not appear to present an unreasonable risk to the individual.

(2) Waiver authority

(A) In general

(B) Guidance on case-by-case waivers

(3) Drugs imported from CanadaIn particular, the Secretary shall by regulation grant individuals a waiver to permit individuals to import into the United States a prescription drug that—

(A) is imported from a licensed pharmacy for personal use by an individual, not for resale, in quantities that do not exceed a 90-day supply;

(B) is accompanied by a copy of a valid prescription;

(D) is a prescription drug approved by the Secretary under subchapter V;

(E) is in the form of a final finished dosage that was manufactured in an establishment registered under section 360 of this title; and

(F) is imported under such other conditions as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure public safety.

(k) Construction

(l) Effectiveness of section

(1) Commencement of programThis section shall become effective only if the Secretary certifies to the Congress that the implementation of this section will—

(A) pose no additional risk to the public’s health and safety; and

(B) result in a significant reduction in the cost of covered products to the American consumer.

(2) Termination of program

(A) In general

(B) ProcedureThe Secretary shall not submit a certification under subparagraph (A) unless, after a hearing on the record under sections 556 and 557 of title 5, the Secretary—

(i)(I) determines that it is more likely than not that implementation of this section would result in an increase in the risk to the public health and safety;(II) identifies specifically, in qualitative and quantitative terms, the nature of the increased risk;(III) identifies specifically the causes of the increased risk; and(IV)(aa) considers whether any measures can be taken to avoid, reduce, or mitigate the increased risk; and(bb) if the Secretary determines that any measures described in item (aa) would require additional statutory authority, submits to Congress a report describing the legislation that would be required;

(ii) identifies specifically, in qualitative and quantitative terms, the benefits that would result from implementation of this section (including the benefit of reductions in the cost of covered products to consumers in the United States, allowing consumers to procure needed medication that consumers might not otherwise be able to procure without foregoing other necessities of life); and

(iii)(I) compares in specific terms the detriment identified under clause (i) with the benefits identified under clause (ii); and(II) determines that the benefits do not outweigh the detriment.

(m) Authorization of appropriations

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 804, as added Pub. L. 108–173, title XI, § 1121(a), Dec. 8, 2003, 117 Stat. 2464; amended Pub. L. 114–125, title VIII, § 802(d)(2), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 210.)

§ 384a. Foreign supplier verification program

(a) In general

(1) Verification requirementExcept as provided under subsections (e) and (f), each importer shall perform risk-based foreign supplier verification activities for the purpose of verifying that the food imported by the importer or agent of an importer is—

(A) produced in compliance with the requirements of section 350g of this title or section 350h of this title, as appropriate; and

(B) is not adulterated under section 342 of this title or misbranded under section 343(w) of this title.

(2) Importer definedFor purposes of this section, the term “importer” means, with respect to an article of food—

(A) the United States owner or consignee of the article of food at the time of entry of such article into the United States; or

(B) in the case when there is no United States owner or consignee as described in subparagraph (A), the United States agent or representative of a foreign owner or consignee of the article of food at the time of entry of such article into the United States.

(b) Guidance

(1) In general

(2) RequirementsThe regulations promulgated under paragraph (1)—

(A) shall require that the foreign supplier verification program of each importer be adequate to provide assurances that each foreign supplier to the importer produces the imported food in compliance with—

(i) processes and procedures, including reasonably appropriate risk-based preventive controls, that provide the same level of public health protection as those required under section 350g of this title or section 350h of this title (taking into consideration variances granted under section 350h of this title), as appropriate; and

(ii)section 342 of this title and section 343(w) of this title.1

1 So in original.

(B) shall include such other requirements as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate to verify that food imported into the United States is as safe as food produced and sold within the United States.

(3) Considerations

(4) Activities

(d) Record maintenance and access

(e) Exemption of seafood, juice, and low-acid canned food facilities in compliance with HACCPThis section shall not apply to a facility if the owner, operator, or agent in charge of such facility is required to comply with, and is in compliance with, 1 of the following standards and regulations with respect to such facility:

(1) The Seafood Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points Program of the Food and Drug Administration.

(2) The Juice Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points Program of the Food and Drug Administration.

(3) The Thermally Processed Low-Acid Foods Packaged in Hermetically Sealed Containers standards of the Food and Drug Administration (or any successor standards).

The exemption under paragraph (3) shall apply only with respect to microbiological hazards that are regulated under the standards for Thermally Processed Low-Acid Foods Packaged in Hermetically Sealed Containers under part 113 of chapter 2

2 So in original. Probably should be “title”.

21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).

(f) Additional exemptions

(g) Publication of list of participants

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 805, as added Pub. L. 111–353, title III, § 301(a), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3953.)

§ 384b. Voluntary qualified importer program

(a) In generalBeginning not later than 18 months after January 4, 2011, the Secretary shall—

(1) establish a program, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security—

(A) to provide for the expedited review and importation of food offered for importation by importers who have voluntarily agreed to participate in such program; and

(B) consistent with section 384d of this title, establish a process for the issuance of a facility certification to accompany food offered for importation by importers who have voluntarily agreed to participate in such program; and

(2) issue a guidance document related to participation in, revocation of such participation in, reinstatement in, and compliance with, such program.

(b) Voluntary participation

(d) EligibilityEligibility shall be limited to an importer offering food for importation from a facility that has a certification described in subsection (a). In reviewing the applications and making determinations on such applications, the Secretary shall consider the risk of the food to be imported based on factors, such as the following:

(1) The known safety risks of the food to be imported.

(2) The compliance history of foreign suppliers used by the importer, as appropriate.

(3) The capability of the regulatory system of the country of export to ensure compliance with United States food safety standards for a designated food.

(4) The compliance of the importer with the requirements of section 384a of this title.

(5) The recordkeeping, testing, inspections and audits of facilities, traceability of articles of food, temperature controls, and sourcing practices of the importer.

(6) The potential risk for intentional adulteration of the food.

(7) Any other factor that the Secretary determines appropriate.

(e) Review and revocation

(f) False statements

(g) Definition

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 806, as added Pub. L. 111–353, title III, § 302, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3955.)

§ 384c. Inspection of foreign food facilities

(a) Inspection

The Secretary—

(1) may enter into arrangements and agreements with foreign governments to facilitate the inspection of foreign facilities registered under section 350d of this title; and

(2) shall direct resources to inspections of foreign facilities, suppliers, and food types, especially such facilities, suppliers, and food types that present a high risk (as identified by the Secretary), to help ensure the safety and security of the food supply of the United States.

(b) Effect of inability to inspect

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 807, as added Pub. L. 111–353, title III, § 306(a), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3958.)

§ 384d. Accreditation of third-party auditors

(a) DefinitionsIn this section:

(1) Audit agent

(2) Accreditation body

(3) Third-party auditor

(4) Accredited third-party auditor

(5) Consultative auditThe term “consultative audit” means an audit of an eligible entity—

(A) to determine whether such entity is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with applicable industry standards and practices; and

(B) the results of which are for internal purposes only.

(6) Eligible entity

(7) Regulatory audit

(A) to determine whether such entity is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter; and

(B) the results of which determine—

(i) whether an article of food manufactured, processed, packed, or held by such entity is eligible to receive a food certification under section 381(q) of this title; or

(ii) whether a facility is eligible to receive a facility certification under section 384b(a) of this title for purposes of participating in the program under section 384b of this title.

(b) Accreditation system

(1) Accreditation bodies

(A) Recognition of accreditation bodies

(i) In general

(ii) Direct accreditation

(B) Notification

(D) Reinstatement

(2) Model accreditation standards

(1) Requirements for accreditation as a third-party auditor

(A) Foreign governments

(B) Foreign cooperatives and other third parties

(2) Requirement to issue certification of eligible entities or foods

(A) In general

(B) Purpose of certificationThe Secretary shall use certification provided by accredited third-party auditors to—

(i) determine, in conjunction with any other assurances the Secretary may require under section 381(q) of this title, whether a food satisfies the requirements of such section; and

(ii) determine whether a facility is eligible to be a facility from which food may be offered for import under the voluntary qualified importer program under section 384b of this title.

(i) In general

(ii) Provision of certification

(3) Audit report submission requirements

(A) Requirements in generalAs a condition of accreditation, not later than 45 days after conducting an audit, an accredited third-party auditor or audit agent of such auditor shall prepare, and, in the case of a regulatory audit, submit, the audit report for each audit conducted, in a form and manner designated by the Secretary, which shall include—

(i) the identity of the persons at the audited eligible entity responsible for compliance with food safety requirements;

(ii) the dates of the audit;

(iii) the scope of the audit; and

(iv) any other information required by the Secretary that relates to or may influence an assessment of compliance with this chapter.

(B) Records

(4) Requirements of accredited third-party auditors and audit agents of such auditors

(A) Risks to public healthIf, at any time during an audit, an accredited third-party auditor or audit agent of such auditor discovers a condition that could cause or contribute to a serious risk to the public health, such auditor shall immediately notify the Secretary of—

(i) the identification of the eligible entity subject to the audit; and

(ii) such condition.

(B) Types of audits

(i) In general

(ii) Waiver

(5) Conflicts of interest

(A) Third-party auditorsAn accredited third-party auditor shall—

(i) not be owned, managed, or controlled by any person that owns or operates an eligible entity to be certified by such auditor;

(ii) in carrying out audits of eligible entities under this section, have procedures to ensure against the use of any officer or employee of such auditor that has a financial conflict of interest regarding an eligible entity to be certified by such auditor; and

(iii) annually make available to the Secretary disclosures of the extent to which such auditor and the officers and employees of such auditor have maintained compliance with clauses (i) and (ii) relating to financial conflicts of interest.

(B) Audit agentsAn audit agent shall—

(i) not own or operate an eligible entity to be audited by such agent;

(ii) in carrying out audits of eligible entities under this section, have procedures to ensure that such agent does not have a financial conflict of interest regarding an eligible entity to be audited by such agent; and

(iii) annually make available to the Secretary disclosures of the extent to which such agent has maintained compliance with clauses (i) and (ii) relating to financial conflicts of interest.

(C) RegulationsThe Secretary shall promulgate regulations not later than 18 months after January 4, 2011, to implement this section and to ensure that there are protections against conflicts of interest between an accredited third-party auditor and the eligible entity to be certified by such auditor or audited by such audit agent. Such regulations shall include—

(i) requiring that audits performed under this section be unannounced;

(ii) a structure to decrease the potential for conflicts of interest, including timing and public disclosure, for fees paid by eligible entities to accredited third-party auditors; and

(iii) appropriate limits on financial affiliations between an accredited third-party auditor or audit agents of such auditor and any person that owns or operates an eligible entity to be certified by such auditor, as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).

(6) Withdrawal of accreditation

(A) In generalThe Secretary shall withdraw accreditation from an accredited third-party auditor—

(i) if food certified under section 381(q) of this title or from a facility certified under paragraph (2)(B) by such third-party auditor is linked to an outbreak of foodborne illness that has a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death in humans or animals;

(ii) following an evaluation and finding by the Secretary that the third-party auditor no longer meets the requirements for accreditation; or

(iii) following a refusal to allow United States officials to conduct such audits and investigations as may be necessary to ensure continued compliance with the requirements set forth in this section.

(B) Additional basis for withdrawal of accreditation

(i) conducts an investigation of the material facts related to the outbreak of human or animal illness; and

(ii) reviews the steps or actions taken by the third party auditor to justify the certification and determines that the accredited third-party auditor satisfied the requirements under section 381(q) of this title of certifying the food, or the requirements under paragraph (2)(B) of certifying the entity.

(7) ReaccreditationThe Secretary shall establish procedures to reinstate the accreditation of a third-party auditor for which accreditation has been withdrawn under paragraph (6)—

(A) if the Secretary determines, based on evidence presented, that the third-party auditor satisfies the requirements of this section and adequate grounds for revocation no longer exist; and

(B) in the case of a third-party auditor accredited by an accreditation body for which recognition as an accreditation body under subsection (b)(1)(C) is revoked—

(i) if the third-party auditor becomes accredited not later than 1 year after revocation of accreditation under paragraph (6)(A), through direct accreditation under subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii) or by an accreditation body in good standing; or

(ii) under such conditions as the Secretary may require for a third-party auditor under paragraph (6)(B).

(8) Neutralizing costs

(d) Recertification of eligible entitiesAn eligible entity shall apply for annual recertification by an accredited third-party auditor if such entity—

(1) intends to participate in 3

3 So in original. Probably should be followed by “the”.

voluntary qualified importer program under section 384b of this title; or

(2) is required to provide to the Secretary a certification under section 381(q) of this title for any food from such entity.

(e) False statementsAny statement or representation made—

(1) by an employee or agent of an eligible entity to an accredited third-party auditor or audit agent; or

(2) by an accredited third-party auditor to the Secretary,

shall be subject to section 1001 of title 18.

(f) MonitoringTo ensure compliance with the requirements of this section, the Secretary shall—

(1) periodically, or at least once every 4 years, reevaluate the accreditation bodies described in subsection (b)(1);

(2) periodically, or at least once every 4 years, evaluate the performance of each accredited third-party auditor, through the review of regulatory audit reports by such auditors, the compliance history as available of eligible entities certified by such auditors, and any other measures deemed necessary by the Secretary;

(3) at any time, conduct an onsite audit of any eligible entity certified by an accredited third-party auditor, with or without the auditor present; and

(4) take any other measures deemed necessary by the Secretary.

(g) Publicly available registry

(h) Limitations

(1) No effect on section 374 inspections

(2) No effect on inspection authority

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 808, as added Pub. L. 111–353, title III, § 307, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3959.)

§ 384e. Recognition of foreign government inspections

(a) Inspection

The Secretary—

(1) may enter into arrangements and agreements with a foreign government or an agency of a foreign government to recognize the inspection of foreign establishments registered under section 360(i) of this title in order to facilitate preapproval or risk-based inspections in accordance with the schedule established in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 360(h) of this title;

(2) may enter into arrangements and agreements with a foreign government or an agency of a foreign government under this section only with a foreign government or an agency of a foreign government that the Secretary has determined as having the capability of conducting inspections that meet the applicable requirements of this chapter; and

(3) shall perform such reviews and audits of drug safety programs, systems, and standards of a foreign government or agency for the foreign government as the Secretary deems necessary to determine that the foreign government or agency of the foreign government is capable of conducting inspections that meet the applicable requirements of this chapter.

(b) Results of inspection

The results of inspections performed by a foreign government or an agency of a foreign government under this section may be used as—

(1) evidence of compliance with section 351(a)(2)(B) of this title or section 381(r) of this title; and

(2) for any other purposes as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(1) In general

(2) Reports to Congress

(June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 809, as added Pub. L. 112–144, title VII, § 712, July 9, 2012, 126 Stat. 1072; amended Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title III, § 3101(a)(2)(X), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1156; Pub. L. 115–52, title VII, § 701(b), Aug. 18, 2017, 131 Stat. 1055; Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title III, § 3613(c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5872.)

§ 384f. Strengthening FDA and CBP coordination and capacity

(a) In general

(b) FDA import facilities and inspection capacity

(1) In generalIn carrying out this section, the Secretary shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service, provide that import facilities in which the Food and Drug Administration operates or carries out activities related to drug imports within the international mail facilities include—

(A) facility upgrades and improved capacity in order to increase and improve inspection and detection capabilities, which may include, as the Secretary determines appropriate—

(i) improvements to facilities, such as upgrades or renovations, and support for the maintenance of existing import facilities and sites to improve coordination between Federal agencies;

(ii) improvements in equipment and information technology enhancement to identify unapproved, counterfeit, or other unlawful controlled substances for destruction;

(iii) the construction of, or upgrades to, laboratory capacity for purposes of detection and testing of imported goods;

(iv) upgrades to the security of import facilities; and

(v) innovative technology and equipment to facilitate improved and near-real-time information sharing between the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Postal Service; and

(B) innovative technology, including controlled substance detection and testing equipment and other applicable technology, in order to collaborate with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to share near-real-time information, including information about test results, as appropriate.

(2) Innovative technology

(Pub. L. 115–271, title III, § 3014, Oct. 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 3937.)

§ 384g. Restricting entrance of illicit drugs

(a) Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection cooperation

(1) In general

(2) Report

(Pub. L. 115–271, title III, § 3022(a), Oct. 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 3938.)