Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act
Introduced Apr 8, 2025 by Rep. Clay Higgins
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority to require the destruction of certain items that are refused import into the United States and pose a risk to public health.
Under current law, imported food, drugs, medical devices, tobacco products, and cosmetics are subject to FDA review. If an imported item is deficient in a specified manner (e.g., counterfeit, misbranded, or manufactured under insanitary conditions), the item is generally refused admission to the United States. An item refused admission may generally be exported, except that the FDA may destroy a drug, medical device, or tobacco product that is valued under $2,500 without the opportunity for export.
Under the bill, the FDA may order the destruction, without the opportunity for export, of any food, drug, medical device, tobacco product, or cosmetic that is refused admission if the item presents a significant public health concern. If such an order is issued, the item’s owner or consignee must destroy it within 90 days at their own cost.
The bill also prohibits the unauthorized movement (e.g., export) of an item subject to a destruction order. A violator is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both.
Read the full summary on Congress.govSummary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Jul 21, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Jul 20, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jul 20, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4637-4638)
- Jul 20, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4637-4638)
- Jul 20, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2715.
- Jul 20, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4637-4639)
- Jul 20, 2026Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Jun 18, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 613.
- Jun 18, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-705.
- May 21, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 0.
- May 21, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- May 13, 2026Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- May 13, 2026Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Apr 8, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Apr 8, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Apr 8, 2025Introduced in House