Import safety group releases update report

WASHINGTON The Interagency Working Group on Import Safety has released a report of its efforts to improve the safety of imported goods.

“Import Safety—Action Plan Update” details progress made since the working group released its action plan in November.

The Bush administration set up the working group last July, appointing Health and Human Services secretary Mike Leavitt as chairman. Its purpose is to find ways to improve import safety, including the safety of pharmaceuticals.

The November action plan proposed that the Food and Drug Administration offer incentives to importers of pharmaceuticals to meet the FDA’s standards, as well as recommending that it destroy medical products denied admission so they are not imported again.