Us Code § 505 - Exchange or transfer of medical supplies

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 505 — Exchange or transfer of medical supplies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 505. Exchange or transfer of medical supplies

(a) Excess Property Determination.—

(1) In general.—Medical materials or supplies an executive agency holds for national emergency purposes are considered excess property for purposes of subchapter II when the head of the agency determines that—

(A) the remaining storage or shelf life is too short to justify continued retention for national emergency purposes; and

(B) transfer or other disposal is in the national interest.


(2) Timing.—To the greatest extent practicable, the head of the agency shall make the determination in sufficient time to allow for the transfer or other disposal and use of medical materials or supplies before their shelf life expires and they are rendered unfit for human use.


(b) Transfer or Exchange.—

(1) In general.—In accordance with regulations the Administrator of General Services prescribes, medical materials or supplies considered excess property may be transferred to another federal agency or exchanged with another federal agency for other medical materials or supplies.

(2) Use of proceeds.—Any proceeds derived from a transfer under this section may be credited to the current applicable appropriation or fund of the transferor agency and shall be available only to purchase medical materials or supplies to be held for national emergency purposes.

(3) Disposal as surplus property.—If the materials or supplies are not transferred to or exchanged with another federal agency, they shall be disposed of as surplus property.

(Pub. L. 107–217, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1081.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
505 40:481(e). June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title II, §201(e), as added Pub. L. 91–426, §1, Sept. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 883.

In subsection (a)(2), the words "holding such medical materials or supplies" and "provided for in the first sentence of this subsection" are omitted as unnecessary because of the reorganization of the revised section. The words "in sufficient time to allow for" are substituted for "at such times as to insure . . . in sufficient time" for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words.

About This Section

40 U.S.C. § 505 is part of Title 40 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 40 U.S.C. § 505. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 505

What does United States Code § 505 cover?

Section 505 ("Exchange or transfer of medical supplies") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 505?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 505" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 505 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.