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STAT+: Trump administration delays new rule that could restrict imported medicines from Canada and overseas

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In short

The Trump administration has delayed a federal rule that could restrict the import of prescription drugs from Canada and other countries, aiming to combat illegal goods, particularly opioids, entering the U.S. through low-value foreign shipments. This delay comes after patient advocacy groups and lawmakers called for reconsideration of the rule. The administration's approach is aimed at reducing access to medications from licensed international pharmacies. The rule, initially criticized for potentially reducing access to medications, targets the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed shipments valued under $800 to pass through customs more easily.

Key points

  • The administration aims to combat illegal goods, particularly opioids, entering the U.S.…: The administration aims to combat illegal goods, particularly opioids, entering the U.S. through low-value foreign shipments.
  • The rule targets the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed shipments valued unde…: The rule targets the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed shipments valued under $800 to pass through customs more easily.

The Trump administration is delaying by 90 days a federal rule that could prevent Americans from obtaining prescription drugs from licensed international pharmacies.

The move follows growing criticism that the rule, which was initially slated to go into effect on Oct. 22, could drastically reduce the flow of medicines from Canada and other countries. In recent weeks, patient advocacy groups and dozens of congressional lawmakers urged the administration to rethink its approach.

The administration is trying to crack down on illegal goods — particularly opioids — that it says enter the U.S. through low-value foreign shipments and for which shippers generally do not pay tariffs or submit data for tracking. The rule targets the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed shipments valued under $800 to pass through customs more easily.

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Original source: www.statnews.com

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