Bill Overview
Title: Freedom to Import Infant Formula Act of 2022
Description: This bill provides duty-free treatment to infant formula. The bill prohibits U.S. Customs and Border Protection from seizing or enforcing restrictions on the importation of infant formula from specified countries (e.g., Canada and the United Kingdom) if the formula meets the legal requirements for sale in that country. The bill also deems formula imported under the bill's provisions to be in compliance with section 412 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which contains requirements related to infant formula manufacturing practices and nutrients.
Sponsors: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Target Audience
Population: People who rely on infant formula
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The bill affects people who use infant formula, which typically includes parents and guardians of infants.
- Infant formula is crucial for the nutrition of infants who are not exclusively breastfed.
- Importing more infant formula duty-free can affect the supply and price of formula, potentially reducing costs for consumers.
- Areas experiencing formula shortages will be significantly impacted by an increase in supply.
- Since infant formula is used globally, the overall potential impact involves caregivers worldwide.
Reasoning
- The target population primarily includes parents and guardians of infants who use infant formula. Given the policy's focus, the interviewed population should represent various geographic areas and socio-economic statuses to understand the broader impact.
- The budget constraints of $20M in the first year and $200M over 10 years imply a need to prioritize areas experiencing the most significant supply shortages or highest costs of infant formula.
- Since there are approximately 3.6 million births in the U.S. annually, a significant percentage of these families will be impacted, though not uniformly. It is predicted that areas with more acute supply shortages will see a more immediate benefit, whereas others may see a slower, less dramatic impact depending on existing availability and costs.
- Moreover, importing formula from countries like Canada and the UK that follow similar safety standards ensures the policy's effectiveness without compromising infant safety, potentially increasing consumer confidence.
- Even within the target group of formula users, the impact will vary based on factors like existing supply chain reliability and local economic conditions. Hence, while some experience a direct economic benefit, others might perceive a more indirect but important assurance of supply continuity.
Simulated Interviews
nurse (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Formula is expensive and we sometimes worry about keeping up with demand, especially given periodic shortages.
- If importing formula could make it more affordable, that would be a relief for my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
software developer (Boise, ID)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The costs are stacking up with twins, and we're hoping the formula prices don't climb any higher.
- It sounds beneficial if formula becomes more affordable through imports.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
college student (Houston, TX)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often have to choose between buying formula and paying for other essentials, so any help with costs would be amazing.
- If this policy helps lower the price, even a little bit, I'd feel less stressed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
freelance writer (New York, NY)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've already adjusted our budget for formula, but aware of others in tighter situations.
- Improving supply and reducing costs sounds like a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
school teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We have found the costs manageable so far, but are cautious about future spikes.
- Extra supply and potential savings are always welcome, though not critical for us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
stay-at-home parent (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Three little ones mean everything is tripled, especially buying formula.
- Cheaper imports would definitely help us out financially.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
waitress (Rural Kansas)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There’s not enough formula sometimes, and the prices are tough on my budget.
- Increasing supply could really make a difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
IT consultant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We’re prepared to supplement with formula should we need it for the next baby.
- This policy is a bit of a safety net to ensure we avoid shortages.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
customer service representative (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a bit overwhelming balancing everything, and formula availability is one less worry I want to have.
- Knowing there’s extra supply could ease some stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
biologist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We’re committed to feeding our baby responsibly sourced formula.
- Duty-free imports are good, but I’d like to know more about the environmental impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The immediate fiscal impact involves loss of tariff revenue versus consumer savings and potential market stabilization.
- Monitoring needs to continue to prevent any safety issues from non-compliant formulas, which could impose future healthcare costs if any arise.
- U.S. companies could face intensified competition, affecting domestic employment in formula manufacturing.