By Philip Brasher
HOUSE VOTES TO PROTECT PERSONAL PRESCRIPTION MAIL ORDER
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES
(in part)
What follows is part of an article published in 'The Washington
Post', Tuesday, July 11, 2000.
"House Blocks Drug Import Curbs"
Amid growing public resentment of high prescription drug prices,
the House voted overwhelmingly yesterday to prevent the government
from discouraging the purchasing of drugs in Canada or other countries
where the medicines are cheaper....The FDA sometimes sends warning
letters to those caught doing it.
The [Food and Drug Admin] gives its employees discretion to permit
import of drugs that violate its restrictions so long as they are
intended for personal use.
The House approved 363 to 12, an amendment to an FDA appropriations
bill that would prevent the agency from enforcing the importation
ban.... A second amendment, approved 370 to 12, would bar the agency
from sending warning letters."
When this is actually signed into law it may affect the way you
do business as it effectively removes most import restrictions as
long as the drugs are "intended for personal use."