Suspension of Entry of Animals, Articles, or Things from Designated Foreign Countries and Places into the United States

HHS/CDC/Division of Global Migration and Quarantine regulates the importation of animals, animal products, human remains, and scientific specimens. Under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, and as outlined in 42 CFR 71.63, Suspension of Entry of Animals, Articles, or Things from Designated Foreign Countries and Places into the United States, the CDC Director can prevent importation of certain animals, articles, or other things that may cause a disease outbreak or public health emergency. This authority has been used in the past to restrict importation of products shown to pose a risk to public health.

For instance, on July 10, 2001, CDC issued an order in the Federal Register requiring that imports of “lucky bamboo” (a decorative plant) shipped in standing water be prohibited from entering the United States because the water (i.e., the method of packing the bamboo) constituted a potential vector for mosquitoes that can carry diseases.

This new provision allows CDC to quickly prevent or limit the importation of certain animals, articles, or things from designated foreign countries or places into the United States to protect the public’s health efficiently and effectively.