Under most instances, it is illegal to import medications from other countries for personal use in the U.S. The president’s plan aims to change the legality of importation from Canada “so the American people get the benefit of the deals that pharma themselves are striking with other countries,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar told CNBC.
HHS outlined several steps it will take to implement the plan, including issuing a regulation to allow states and pharmacies to submit drug importation pilot programs for approval.
Supporters of drug importation say it would increase competition and lower prices. Critics argue that it could threaten consumer safety or reduce drug supplies for Canadians.
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Editor’s Note: This article was updated at 9:30 a.m. July 31.
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