Biological Material Permits
Importing, exporting, or transferring certain biological materials may require permits from federal or state agencies. Outbound Shipping and EH&S Biosafety can help researchers determine permit requirements.
Important Compliance Notice
Failure to comply with hazardous material transportation regulations may result in civil and criminal penalties.Agencies That May Require Permits
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may regulate:
- infectious biological agents
- infectious substances
- vectors
- non-human primate materials
- bat materials
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) may regulate:
- livestock pathogens
- poultry pathogens
- plant materials
- soil
- genetically engineered organisms
- veterinary biologics
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (FWS) may regulate:
- endangered species
- wildlife specimens
- migratory birds
- marine mammals
- CITES-regulated materials
Additional California state agency permits may be required for:
- plant pests (CA Department of Food & Agriculture)
- wild animals (CA Department of Public Health & CA Department of Fish and Wildlife)
- field research sampling (CA Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Researcher Responsibilities
Researchers are responsible for:
- Determining whether permits are required.
- Coordinating with EH&S Biosafety.
- Completing permit applications.
- Arranging inspections, if required.
- Completing shipping training.
- Following all permit conditions.
Permit Application Support
EH&S Biosafety can assist with:
- determining permit requirements
- application support
- agency coordination
- inspection preparation
Contact EH&S Biosafety
- Email: ehsbio@ucsd.edu
Permit Application Processes
Important Requirements
These permits must be requested under the name of the Principal Investigator. Additional contact information provided in the application should be for laboratory personnel who are responsible for the material. These individuals must be able to answer questions about the shipment from:
- Customs and Border Protection agents
- The shipping company
- The relevant regulatory agency (CDC Import Permit Program, USDA/APHIS, or FWS)
CDC Permits
Use the CDC Import Permit Program website to apply for permits involving infectious biological agents or vectors.
USDA/APHIS Permits
Use the APHIS ePermits system for import, interstate transport, or regulated biological materials.
FWS Permits
Visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for wildlife and protected species permits.
Types of Research Permits
This list covers common permits encountered by researchers but is not comprehensive.
| Permit Categories & Form Types | Agency |
| Permit to Import Infectious Biological Agents, Infectious Substances, and Vectors. | CDC (Centers for Disease Control) |
|
Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ)
Veterinary Services
Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS)
|
USDA/APHIS (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) |
|
CITES Permits:
Wildlife & Endangered Species
|
FWS (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) |
Shipping Materials with a Permit
When shipping permitted materials:
- Include permit documentation with shipping documents
- Follow all permit conditions
- Attach required paperwork to the outside of the package
- Retain copies for laboratory records