An import permit is an official document issued by the importing country's government or relevant authority, authorizing the importation of specific goods into the country, providing legal clearance and control over the import process and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and safety requirements. Some materials may require a permit for interstate transport. In the United states, there are multiple agencies regulate the importation of biological materials. Some of the most common agencies that require import permits are the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, but there are additional agencies that may need to be involved depending on the material being imported. If you cannot provide paperwork proving the material(s) are not infectious, you will be required to have a permit.
The import guides for the USDA and CDC are meant to be a quick reference guide only and do not cover every type of material that can be imported. Guidelines for all agencies are subject to change at any time so it’s important for the importer to confirm that most current guidelines.
It’s important to know that once an application is submitted or approved, inspectors from the different agencies can come on site to inspect the spaces covered under the permit. The Office of Biosafety provides support for applications and permits and can provide support during the lab inspections with enough notice from the laboratory.
