Permits
Typically a permit is needed when the biological material(s) you work with can cause harm to people or the environment. For more information on each type of permit and permit application, please visit the corresponding agency’s website. Be sure to check the importing requirements of other countries before you ship biological materials internationally. Even though it's not your responsibility to apply for an import permit, your shipment may get delayed at custom without necessary permits.
CDC requires a permit when you import infectious biological agents capable of causing human disease, materials containing such agents, and vectors of human disease (such as insects). Use CDC’s IPP etool to help determine if you need an import permit.
USDA APHIS Permits
USDA requires a permit when you import or transport materials containing plant or animal material that may potentially harm U.S. agricultural products (e.g., livestock, poultry, and crops).
Plant Pests - USDA PPQ 526 Permit
A PPQ 526 Permit is required for the interstate movement and importation and environmental release of plant pests (plant feeding insects, mites, snails, slugs, and plant pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.), bees, butterflies, parasitic plants, and Federally listed noxious weeds.
A plant pest is any living stage of any of the above that can directly or indirectly injure, cause damage to, or cause disease in any plant or plant product.
Soil - USDA PPQ 525 Permit (to receive soil)
Importation of soil into the United States from foreign sources is prohibited, and movement within the continental U.S. is restricted unless authorized by APHIS under specific conditions, safeguards, and controlled circumstances described in a permit.
Soil is regulated because it can contain numerous animal and plant pests, and/or noxious weed seeds, or other propagules. Materials free of organic matter such as pure sand or rocks are not considered as soil.
Plants and Plant Products - USDA PPQ 587 Permit and others
There are many types of permits for plants and plant products. The most common one at LBNL is the PPQ 587 permit for plants including seeds.
APHIS imposes restrictions or temporary restrictions based on animal health status of the region. You may need a permit if you are importing live animals or animal products. Here’s a list of animal products that do not require an import permit.
Permit may be needed if you import, export or use wildlife, especially migratory bird, endangered species, marine mammals, and injurious wildlife.