PRIMATE Act

This legislative proposal, titled the "Preventing Risky Importation of Monkeys to Avoid Toxic Exposures Act" or the "PRIMATE Act," seeks to amend the Tariff Act of 1930. Its primary objective is to establish a comprehensive prohibition on the importation of any live nonhuman primate into the United States.

A significant exception to this ban is provided for nonhuman primates imported by, and intended for placement with, facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). However, this exception is strictly conditioned on the importer certifying that the primates will not be transferred, sold, leased, or otherwise used for experiments, testing, or breeding for such purposes.

To ensure compliance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection would be responsible for denying clearance for any prohibited shipments. Violators could face substantial civil penalties of up to $50,000 for each infraction, in addition to the forfeiture of any illegally imported nonhuman primates. The Secretary of the Treasury is also mandated to issue regulations within one year to implement these provisions effectively.