[Staff Listing]
navigation bar
Related Topics
Biological Safety
Autoclaves
Biological Safety Cabinets
Bloodborne Pathogens
Infectious Agents
Import, Export, Transport Permits
Recombinant DNA
Select Agents and Toxins
Shipping Infectious Substances
Work with NHP Material
Biological Safety - Import, Export, Transport Permits
space holder
Domestic transport, import, and export of infectious substances may require a permit or license from federal agencies prior to transport. Researchers are responsible for submitting the application and obtaining the permit, and for following all packaging requirements (see Shipping Infectious Substances webpage). The summary below is intended to help researchers determine whether the material being transported requires a permit or license Most permits are issued to the individual, not to the institution. Contact the BSO at 5-3975 for further information.
 
Infectious Agent Shipment of many substances is regulated
space holder
Import Permits
  • Microorganisms that cause disease in humans (etiologic agents) require permits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for import into the US from a foreign country. Etiologic agents are defined as: 1) any microorganism or biological toxin that causes disease in humans; 2) biological substances such as blood and tissues, when known or suspected to contain an infectious agent; 3) live insects, such as mosquitoes, known or suspected of being infected with any disease transmissible to humans; and 4) any animal known or suspected of being infected with any disease transmissible to humans. Import permits are issued to the individual, not the facility. The import permit, along with the proper packaging and labeling, will expedite clearance of the package through the U.S. Public Health Service Division of Quarantine and release by U.S. Customs. Application for the permit should be made at least 10 working days in advance of the anticipated shipment date. Further information and application forms may be obtained at CDC web site.
  • Microorganisms that cause disease in livestock require Import permits from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for import into the US. Permits are also required for import of biological reagents containing animal material (this includes tissue culture media containing growth stimulants of bovine origin such as calf serum). Import permits are issued to the individual, not to the facility. Further information and application forms may be obtained at USDA/APHIS web site.
space holder
Domestic Transfer permits
  • Microorganisms that cause disease in livestock require transfer permits for domestic transport within the US. Transport permits are also required for biological reagents containing animal, material (this includes tissue culture media containing growth stimulants of bovine origin such as calf serum). Permits are issued to the individual, not to the institution. Further information and application forms may be obtained at USDA/APHIS web site.
space holder
Export Permits
space holder
Other Permits
  • Permits are required from the USDA/APHIS for interstate movement, importation, or release into the environment (i.e., field tests) of genetically engineered organisms that are plant pests, or that contain portions (plasmids, DNA fragments, etc.) of plant pests. Application should be made at least 120 days in advance of the anticipated release or shipment date. Information and applications may be obtained at USDA/APHIS's web site.
  • Prior approval is required by the CDC and USDA/APHIS for transfer of select agents and toxins. Please contact the BSO at (301) 405-3975 if you believe your work may include select agents.
space holder

home Forms Documents Biosafety Environmental Affairs Fire Marshal Occupational Safety and Health Radiation Safety Risk Management and Communication


We would greatly appreciate your feedback about this site.
  XML RSS Feed
Copyright © 2009 University of Maryland DES

University of Maryland   UM Home | Directories | Search | Calendar
Maintained by Department of Environmental Safety
Direct questions and comments to safety@umd.edu