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FDA Joins Forces With Customs Office To Beef Up Scrutiny of Drug Packages At Borders

08 Apr 2019

• By Joanne S. Eglovitch

The US FDA and the US customs office have agreed to team up and establish an expanded scientific presence at International Mail Facility locations deemed “high risk” ports of entry to deter illegal opioids and counterfeit drugs from entering US borders.

Gottlieb and Rep. Michael Burgess R-Texas, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee, as they toured the international mail facility at New York City’s JFK Airport on March 5. — A recent tour of an international mail facility by Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, (left) and FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb (center)

The FDA and the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have agreed to join forces and "maximize inspection and detection capabilities" in deterring the illegal entry of unapproved fentanyl products, counterfeit prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs at the border.

As part of the agreement, signed on April 4, participants plan to establish an expanded scientific presence at International...