Importing Research Materials

Certain research materials are restricted from transfer into the United States; importation permits must be obtained prior to the sender shipping these items.   Multiple U.S. regulatory agencies hold authority for granting these permits. The importation permit, together with the appropriate packaging and labeling will expedite the clearance of the package through the U.S. Public Health Service Division of Quarantine and release by U.S. Customs.   Agencies that regulate the import research materials are reviewed below by material being imported.

Human Pathogens

This includes biological material containing human pathogens and human pathogen hosts or vectors require a permit from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Etiologic Agent Import Permit Program.   Additional information is available at CDC - EAIPP-Introduction.

Animal Pathogens and Related Biological Materials Import Permit Program

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) permits are required for infectious agents of livestock and biological materials containing animal material. Tissue culture materials and suspensions of cell culture grown pathogens containing growth stimulants of bovine or other livestock agents are controlled by the USDA due to the potential risk of introduction of exotic animal diseases into the U.S. Additional information is available at USDA - APHIS - Animal Health - Permits.

Certain materials do not need a USDA import permit, but will be reviewed at the port of entry by USDA inspectors. To facilitate import, the USDA has prepared fact sheets for the following materials that will not require a USDA import permit if they are free from animal pathogens or suspect pathogenic materials. Consult the specific fact sheet for each item at the USDA website to ensure that all of the criteria needed to exclude the requirement for an import permit are met AND to identify if a permit may be required by another agency.   For the complete fact sheet on each of these materials, refer to the following website USDA - APHIS - Import.

Importing a Plant Pathogen or Plant Product

The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Department regulates the importation (and exportation) of organisms and products that directly or indirectly cause disease or damage in plants. Plant pathogens include nematodes, bacteria, fungi, viruses, viroids, phytoplasms, or any organisms similar to or associated with these infectious substances.   Additional information is available at USDA - APHIS - Plant Health, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Permits.

Wildlife/Animals

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) provides international import/export permits for endangered species, wildlife, reptiles, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), plants, pet birds, circus animals, sport-hunted trophies, museum specimens, and exhibits for scientific exchange.   A permit is required for individuals or businesses that import or export wildlife. Permits are valid for one year and must be obtained prior to importing or exporting.  Please check the US Fish and Wildlife website: http://www.fws.gov/le/ImpExp/Info_Importers_ Exporters.htm and http://www.fws.gov/permits.

For assistance please call EHS at 785-3550