Obtaining USDA and CDC Permits for Importing and Transferring Animal Pathogens and Related Biological Materials
Version 6/19/2024
Certain animal pathogens and related biological materials used for research purposes may require a USDA or CDC permit for import to the United States (US) or transfer to Boston University (BU).
These materials may be subject to specific packaging and shipping requirements, or may require certification along with a description of the contents and hazards associated with the material.
Other regulatory agencies may also require specific permits for these materials.
Does the material being transferred or imported require a USDA or CDC permit?
Animal Pathogens and Related Biological Materials
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Service (VS) 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 APHIS due to the potential risk of introduction of exotic animal diseases into the US.
Agricultural Select Agents- National Import Export Services
USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services
Riverdale, MD 20737
Infectious Biological Materials and Biological Materials from Non-human Primates
The importation of infectious biological agents, infectious substances, and vectors of human disease into the United States is regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)as described in “Federal Register CFR 71.54”. This includes animal pathogens that can infect humans and biological materials obtained from non-human primates. The CDC Import Permit Program (IPP) reviews permit applications prior to their importation to the US to ensure that appropriate facilities and safety measures are in place in order to work with them safely.
How to obtain a USDA APHIS VS permit online
Please visit ePermits to submit permit applications, track applications, apply for renewals and amendments, and receive copies of permits.
All CDC import permit applications must be submitted electronically using the “eIPP system”. Depending on the type of permit being requested, two applications are available in the system:
Permit to Import Biological Agents or Vectors of Human Disease
Permit to Import or Transport Live Bats
Please see the “eIPP Resource Center”. for more information and assistance with using eIPP.
Paper versions of the applications are no longer accepted by the program.
Who to contact at BU for assistance in determining if a permit is required
Please contact EHS (oehs@bu.edu) if you have any questions or need assistance with the USDA/APHIS/VS permit application process or completing the CDC Import Form.