H.R. 5880: Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act

This bill, titled the "Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act," aims to amend the Controlled Substances Act to enhance the regulation and identification of certain machinery used in the production of pills and capsules. Here are the main points of the bill:

Definitions and Scope

• The bill introduces the term regulated person, which includes individuals or entities that manufacture, distribute, import, or export listed chemicals or tableting/encapsulating machines.
• Critical parts relevant to these machines are defined, including upper punches, lower punches, and dies (tools used to shape tablets or capsules).

Identification Requirements

• Manufacturers, distributors, and others involved with tableting or encapsulating machines must identify these machines and their critical parts using a serial number.
• This serial number must be permanently affixed to a nonremovable part of the machine.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Regulated entities are required to maintain records of transactions involving tableting machines and to report these transactions to the Attorney General, including details of the serial numbers.
• The Attorney General will develop regulations and detailed guidance on these requirements within 180 days of the enactment of the bill.

Prohibitions

• The bill prohibits the removal, alteration, or obliteration of any required serial number from tableting machines or their critical parts.
• It also bans transporting or dealing with these machines if one knows the serial number has been tampered with.

Transitional Provisions

• Machines produced before the enactment of these regulations will still need to comply with the new identification rules once the guidance is issued.
• The new regulations will only apply to machines manufactured or involved in transactions after the regulations come into effect.

Intent of the Bill

The overall intent is to combat the illicit production of pills and improve tracking of machinery that can contribute to illegal drug manufacturing. By implementing stricter controls and identification measures, the bill seeks to enhance enforcement capabilities against the misuse of these machines.

Relevant Companies

• GE - General Electric may be involved in the production of tableting machines, and the bill could impose additional regulatory compliance costs.
• AVY - Avery Dennison, known for its manufacturing technologies, might need to adapt its machinery following the new regulations.