All articles tagged with #import regulations
Two NIH virologists are charged with allegedly smuggling non-infectious monkeypox samples into the United States after fieldwork in Congo, with authorities saying the samples contained MPXV DNA but were not infectious. The case has triggered political scrutiny of the Rocky Mountain Laboratories and renewed debate over import rules and lab biosecurity, as hearings are set for the involved researchers.
UPS is experiencing delays and issues with international shipments to the US due to new import rules, increased customs requirements, and higher tariffs, leading to package hold-ups, unexpected fees, and some packages being marked for disposal, affecting customers and prompting some to switch carriers.
Consumer advocates warn that dirt-cheap toys imported into the U.S. may not meet safety standards, posing risks like lead exposure and choking hazards. Many of these toys enter the country through the de minimis exemption, which allows shipments under $800 to bypass certain inspections. Critics argue this loophole enables unsafe products to reach consumers, while bipartisan efforts are underway to reform the de minimis rules to better protect U.S. consumers and level the playing field for domestic businesses.