PRESS Act

The Preventing Rogue Equipment for Synthetic Substances Act, or PRESS Act, aims to strengthen the Controlled Substances Act by preventing the illicit importation of equipment used to counterfeit drugs. It specifically makes it unlawful to manufacture or distribute certain items, such as tableting machines, encapsulating machines, press punches, die systems, and gelatin capsules , or any related equipment or chemicals. This prohibition applies when there is intent or knowledge that these items will be used to produce a controlled substance or listed chemical, and that the resulting substance or chemical will be unlawfully imported into the United States. The bill establishes new criminal penalties for violations, including imprisonment for up to 8 years, or up to 15 years for offenses involving large quantities of chemicals or numerous machines. Furthermore, the legislation mandates the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines to incorporate these new provisions, ensuring appropriate penalties are applied.