Federal government moves to halt mailed harmful products from entering U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Oct. 30 announced a memorandum of understanding to maximize inspection and detection capabilities in order to prevent harmful products from entering the U.S. through international mail facilities.

The joint operation’s core focus is illicit opioids, including fentanyl and other unapproved or unlawful drugs, medical devices and dietary supplements regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including fraudulent, counterfeit or illegitimate COVID-19 products that may pose risks to public health.

FDA also recently published a list of essential medicines, medical countermeasures and critical inputs that are medically necessary to have available at all times in an amount adequate to serve patient needs and in the appropriate dosage forms. The list’s intent is to ensure the American public is protected against future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.