Sponsors (13)
The bill reduces public zoonotic disease risk by banning live nonhuman primate imports, at the cost of lost revenue and higher compliance/enforcement expenses for import-dependent businesses and some taxpayer outlays.
Importers, zoo staff, and the general public face a lower risk of zoonotic disease spillover because the bill blocks imports of live nonhuman primates, a known source of zoonoses.
Zoos, specialty dealers, and other businesses that legally import primates will lose revenue or face higher compliance costs due to the import ban and any related certification/regulatory requirements.
Taxpayers may incur additional costs for enforcement activities (seizures, forfeitures, rulemaking) and for the care or disposition of seized primates.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes it unlawful to import live nonhuman primates into the U.S. except for AZA‑accredited placements or certified non‑research uses; customs enforcement, forfeiture, and civil penalties apply.
Official title: To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit the importation on nonhuman primates.
Introduced April 23, 2026 by W. Greg Steube · Last progress April 23, 2026
Prohibits the importation of live nonhuman primates into the United States, with two narrow exceptions for (1) animals imported by or for placement at Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)–accredited facilities and (2) imports accompanied by an importer certification that the animal will not be transferred for experimentation, testing, or breeding for such uses. Customs must deny clearance for prohibited shipments; civil penalties and forfeiture apply for violations; the Treasury Secretary must issue implementing regulations within one year. The measure defines key terms, authorizes civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation, provides for forfeiture of unlawfully imported primates, and directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enforce the ban at ports of entry. It requires notice-and-comment rulemaking for enforcement details within one year of enactment.