Permits

Importing or exporting chemical, biological, or radioactive materials often requires specialized permits to ensure timely and lawful customs clearance. These materials are regulated by multiple U.S. government agencies, each with its own set of requirements.

Key U.S. Regulatory Agencies

1. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) - Department of Commerce
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
3. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
4. Department of Transportation (DOT)
5. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
6. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
7. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
8. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
9. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
10. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Organisms and Vectors Permits
11. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Biotechnology Permits
12. United States Postal Service (USPS), Special Requirements for Shipping Internationally

Each agency plays a role in ensuring the safe and compliant transport of sensitive materials.

Permit Decision Tools

To help determine if a permit is required, several agencies provide online resources:

CDC – Import Permit Program (IPP)

• Do I need a permit?
• IPP e-Tool
• Importer Certification Statement
• Decision Tree

USDA/APHIS – Organisms and Vectors

• Do I Need an OV Permit?

Helpful sections include:

• “What’s New?”
• “VS-regulated livestock and poultry pathogens”
• “Guidelines for No Import Permit Required”
• “Guideline 1125: No Interstate Transport Permit Required”
• Veterinary Services Permitting Assistant

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

• ePermits Portal

Secondary Transfer Approvals

In some cases, materials that have already been imported cannot be transferred to another recipient without additional approval.

For example, the CDC requires further authorization for materials suspected or confirmed to contain the following infectious biological agents:

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis

• Coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV)

• Influenza viruses (H2N2, H6N1, low pathogenic avian H7N9)

• Viral hemorrhagic fevers (e.g., Tick-borne encephalitis viruses, Old World hantaviruses causing HFRS)

• Mpox (clade II, formerly Monkeypox – West African clade)

• Poliovirus (serotypes 1, 2, 3)

Need Help?

Navigating these complex regulatory requirements can be challenging, but you're not alone.
The EHS Biosafety Team and the Shipping Team are here to support you every step of the way.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at ehs@med.cornell.edu or shipping@med.cornell.edu.