Why are US lawmakers pushing for country-of-origin labeling on prescription drugs?

Lawmakers are pushing for country-of-origin labeling due to concerns that the US health system is vulnerable to foreign disruptions, as highlighted by India's export restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Where are the active pharmaceutical ingredients for most US generic drugs manufactured?

Almost 94% of active pharmaceutical ingredients for generic drugs are produced and processed overseas, predominantly in China and India.

What legislation is being proposed to address drug origin transparency in the US?

Senator Rick Scott announced the CLEAR LABELS Act, legislation that would require prescription drugs sold in the United States to disclose where they and their key ingredients are made.

Home / Business and Economy / US Drugs Vulnerable: Labels for Origin Demanded

US Drugs Vulnerable: Labels for Origin Demanded

30 Jan

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Summary

Lawmakers push for country-of-origin labeling on all prescription drugs.
Most generic drug ingredients are made overseas, primarily in China and India.
India's export restrictions during Covid-19 highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities.

US Drugs Vulnerable: Labels for Origin Demanded

US lawmakers are advocating for country-of-origin labeling on prescription drugs, emphasizing the health system's vulnerability to foreign manufacturing disruptions. Senator Rick Scott introduced the CLEAR LABELS Act, which would require prescription drugs sold in the US to disclose their manufacturing origins and those of their key ingredients.

This initiative stems from concerns that 91% of US prescriptions are generics, with almost 94% of their active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) sourced overseas, mainly from China and India. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India's temporary restrictions on pharmaceutical exports highlighted potential supply chain risks.

Experts and officials noted that advance notice for foreign plant inspections by US regulators is problematic, potentially masking unsanitary conditions. The lack of transparency leaves patients and healthcare providers uninformed about medicine origins, posing both public health and national security risks. India remains a critical, though complex, supplier of generic pharmaceuticals.