Reimportation. The reimportation of prescription drugs from Canada to the United States has been an important national issue over the past years. Many Americans complain that prescription drugs are too expensive and other countries sell the same drugs for

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Reimportation

In 1988, Congress passed the Prescription Drug Marketing Act which banned the reimportation of U.S-made prescription drugs. Reimportation is defined as a product exported from the United States and then imported back into the country (Reimportation). The reimportation of prescription drugs from Canada to the United States has been an important national issue over the past years. Many Americans complain that prescription drugs are too expensive and other countries sell the same drugs for less money. Thus, many American citizens have been ignoring the law and purchasing drugs from bordering countries such as Canada and Mexico as well as from the internet. Following the election, newly elected democratic controlled house and senate are gearing up for a renewed push to remove the reimportation ban. Ken Johnson, senior vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America stated, "I don't think there's any question there will be renewed attempts to pass reimportation legislation in the new Congress. It's a fight that's been going on for years now. Given the new leadership and its priorities, we expect it to pop up again" (Bridges). On the surface, freer markets and lower prices for American consumers appear to be benefits that