Ban on Importing Nonhuman Primates

Summary#

This bill would ban the import of all nonhuman primates into the United States. The only exception is for zoos and aquariums that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Those facilities must promise not to use the animals for experiments or testing, or to breed them for that purpose.

• Bans importing monkeys, apes, lemurs, and other nonhuman primates into the U.S.
• Allows imports only if the importer is an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium and certifies the animals will not be used for experiments or testing (or bred for that use).
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection must refuse entry to shipments that include primates not meeting the exception.
• Violators can face civil fines up to $50,000 per violation, and the animals can be seized (forfeited) by the government.
• The Treasury Department must write rules to carry out the law within one year.

What it means for you#

• Workers and researchers

  • Research labs and testing facilities would no longer be able to import primates for research or product testing.
  • Universities and medical centers that are not AZA-accredited could not import primates, even for education or display.

• Zoos and aquariums

  • AZA-accredited facilities could still import primates, but only if they certify the animals will not be used in experiments or testing, or bred for that purpose.
  • Non-AZA zoos and most sanctuaries and rescue groups would not be allowed to import primates.

• Pet owners and buyers of exotic animals

  • You would not be able to import a primate as a pet. Shipments would be blocked at the border, and animals could be taken by the government.

• Importers, airlines, and shippers

  • Shipments containing primates will be denied entry unless they meet the AZA exception and certification.
  • Companies that try to bring in primates in violation of the ban risk fines and seizure of animals.

• Animal welfare and public health advocates

  • The bill aims to reduce risks from international primate trade, including disease risks and animal mistreatment in supply chains.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Reduces the risk of spreading diseases from imported primates to workers and the public.
• Improves animal welfare by curbing the international trade in primates for research and testing.
• Sets a clear, simple ban that is easier for border agents to enforce.
• Keeps a path open for accredited zoos and aquariums to exchange animals for education and conservation, with guardrails against research uses.
• Prevents primates imported for display from being diverted later into research or testing.

Opponents' View#

• Could disrupt medical research and product testing that now use primates, slowing work on vaccines, treatments, and safety testing.
• May increase costs and create shortages for legal users, or push research work to other countries.
• Blocks non-AZA sanctuaries and smaller facilities from importing rescued or endangered primates for care or conservation breeding.
• A broad ban may encourage illegal smuggling, which can worsen animal welfare and biosecurity risks.
• Overrides existing federal rules that allow some controlled imports, which could create confusion and transition problems.