> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.fdaweb.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Don’t Expect Much from New Drug Import Programs: Analysis
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/dont-expect-much-from-new-drug-import-programs-analysis/
- Published: 2020-10-13T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:32:20.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5147861

Three Hogan Lovells attorneys say it is not clear that recent changes announced by FDA and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to permit some drug importation will result in any additional importation of drugs, let alone meet the expressed goal of materially reducing the cost of prescription drugs. In an online [post](https://www.engage.hoganlovells.com/knowledgeservices/viewContent.action?key=Ec8teaJ9VarFKKoNB2BC6MxgHJMKLFEppVpbbVX%2B3OXcP3PYxlq7sZUjdbSm5FIetvAtgf1eVU8%3D&nav=FRbANEucS95NMLRN47z%2BeeOgEFCt8EGQ0qFfoEM4UR4%3D&emailtofriendview=true&freeviewlink=true&ref=fdaweb.com), the attorneys say there are “significant statutory, regulatory, and procedural barriers that can be expected to delay the implementation of any drug importation program, and substantially curtail the impact, if any programs are implemented.”

The post reviews the FDA 10/1 [final rule](https://www.fdaweb.com/final-rule-guidance-issue-on-drug-importation/) that provides a pathway for states, Indian tribes, and, in certain circumstances, pharmacists and wholesalers to establish programs to import certain drug products from Canada. The authors list 13 requirements and restrictions in the new regulation that they say “suggest that the new regulation is not likely to significantly increase importation from Canada or reduce drug prices paid by consumers, because so few products will qualify.”