Man Banned Five Years from Importing Any U.S. Drugs
Published Date: 7/24/2026
Notice
Summary
Francis Esteban Matos is banned for 5 years from importing any drugs into the U.S. because he was convicted of a serious crime related to drug importation. He didn’t respond to the FDA’s notice, so the ban started on July 24, 2026. Matos can apply to end this ban anytime, but he must follow specific rules to do so.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Five‑Year Drug Import Debarment
Francis Esteban Matos is banned for 5 years from importing or offering for import any drug into the United States, effective July 24, 2026. The debarment follows his October 14, 2025 felony conviction for conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
Importing With Matos Is Prohibited
During the 5‑year debarment, importing or offering for import any drug 'by, with the assistance of, or at the direction of' Mr. Matos is a prohibited act under the FD&C Act (see section 301(cc)).
You Can Apply To End Debarment Anytime
Mr. Matos may submit an application to terminate debarment under section 306(d)(1) at any time. Applications submitted electronically to https://www.regulations.gov (Docket No. FDA-2026-N-1199) will be posted publicly unchanged; confidential information must be submitted as a written/paper submission following the notice's instructions.
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