FDA, CBP bolster safety, health protections

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel have reached an agreement designed to bolster public health and safety protection efforts.

The collaboration would maximize inspection and detection capabilities as a means of preventing illegal and harmful products from entering the country via the nation’s International Mail Facilities (IMFs) and Ports of Entry.

The letter of intent would also upgrade CBP’s ability to disrupt illegal supply chains exploiting the international mail environment, including illicit opioid shipments while

improving information sharing to increase efficiency, and facilitate mission responsibilities.

“CBP and FDA have a long history of working jointly to protect the public from illegal or harmful products entering the U.S.,” Kevin K. McAleenan, Customs, and Border Protection commissioner, said. “Information and resource sharing between agencies allows us to be more effective and more efficient in confronting threats. We are eager to see the results of this expanded partnership, and I would like to thank FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb for strengthening CBP and FDA collaboration during his tenure. His efforts were key to the success of both of our agencies, I look forward to continue to work closely with our partners at the FDA.”

The collaboration demonstrates the FDA’s ongoing work with CBP ensures FDA-regulated products imported are safe and otherwise comply with federal law.

“Thousands of illicit and dangerous products come from overseas each day, such as unapproved fentanyl products, counterfeit prescription drugs or fake over-the-counter products that look legitimate,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said. “In recent years, we’ve committed new resources and have been granted new authorities by Congress to target these violative products and stop them before they’re able to enter our country.”