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Biological Safety - Permits |
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Various permits are required to transport microorganisms from one location to another. Please use the summary below to determine whether the material you plan to transport requires import, domestic transport, export, or other permits.
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Shipment of many substances is regulated
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Import Permits |
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- Microorganisms that cause disease in humans (etiologic agents) require permits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be imported 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. Importation permits are issued to the individual, not the facility. The importation permit, with the proper packaging and labeling, will expedite clearance of the package of infectious materials through the U.S. Public Health Service Division of Quarantine and release by U.S. Customs. Permits for domestic transfer of previously imported materials are required only for select agents and the SARS virus. 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.
- Import permits are also required from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for import into the US of microorganisms infectious to livestock; and of biological reagents containing animal, particularly livestock, material (this includes tissue culture media containing growth stimulants of bovine origin such as calf serum). Further information and application forms may be obtained at USDA/APHIS web site.
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Domestic Transfer permits |
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- Select agents, the SARS virus, and live bats require permits from the CDC for transfer within the US. Further information and application forms may be obtained at CDC web site.
- Transfer permits are required from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for domestic transport of microorganisms infectious to livestock; and of biological reagents containing animal, particularly livestock, material (this includes tissue culture media containing growth stimulants of bovine origin such as calf serum). Further information and application forms may be obtained at USDA/APHIS web site.
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Other Permits |
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- 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.
- Facility registration and prior approval are required by the CDC and USDA/APHIS prior to transfer of select agents and toxins (42 CFR Part 73). Please contact the BSO at (301) 405-3975 if you think your work may include select agents.
- A validated license is required by the Department of Commerce for export of certain microorganisms and toxins to all foreign destinations except Canada. Information may be obtained by calling (202) 482-0896.
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