Application Questions

Where can I find the import permit application?

The Import Permit Program (IPP) uses a secure electronic information system, eIPP, to conduct all program business. This two-way portal, accessible by both the program and those seeking import permits, is used to submit and share information. As of September 2018, the only way to apply for a CDC import permit is by using this system.

All potential applicants are required to have a SAMS (Secure Access Management Services) account—which protects the security of the information by requiring users to enter a user ID and password, or other secure credentials, before providing access to the system—in order to access the eIPP system to apply for a permit. If you do not yet have a SAMS account but would like to establish one in order to submit a new application, please contact us.

Only applications submitted via eIPP will be accepted.

How can I check the status of my application?

Real-time status updates are available on the permittees dashboard in eIPP. Options that can appear include:

• Draft: Application has been started, but not submitted. Will not be reviewed by CDC until submitted.
• Submitted: Application was successfully submitted to CDC.
• Under Review: The application has been reviewed by CDC and is pending additional action.
• Request for Information: Information has been requested in the application's general discussion section within eIPP. The application cannot be processed until the information is received.
• Approval Requested: The initial review of the application is complete and the approved permit is pending.
• Approved: The permit has been approved and can be retrieved from eIPP.
• Denied: A permit will not be issued for the application that was submitted and reviewed.
• Revoked: The approved permit is no longer valid and may not be used.
• Closed: The application was administratively closed in the event that a permit was not required or that essential information needed for review of the application was not supplied within 30 days of the request.

Can other individuals (e.g., compliance officer or administrative assistant) with a SAMS account be linked to my account so they can make changes on my behalf?

No. Currently, only one user can be connected to a SAMS/eIPP account. Information cannot be transferred between accounts.

The permit holder at my company is about to retire. Can their SAMS account and permit be transferred to someone else at the company?

No. Currently, SAMS accounts cannot be transferred from one individual to another. The permit cannot be transferred to someone else at the company. Therefore, someone at the company would need to obtain a SAMS account and submit an application to obtain a permit.

I'm moving to a different university. Can I still use the same SAMS account for my import permits?

Yes, but your contact information will need to be updated under the account settings tab within eIPP. Changes to your account username/email must be requested by contacting the eIPP Help Desk.

Can I upload supporting documentation eIPP?

Yes. After an application has been saved as a draft and an application number has been generated, you are able to upload supporting documents using the “Upload Attachment” feature that is displayed at the bottom of the application below the discussion section.

How do I ensure a complete application is submitted to the CDC Import Permit Program?

Required fields are marked by red asterisks (*) in eIPP. Applications can be saved as a draft, but can only be submitted when all required fields are completed.

Additional assistance with filling out the application is available from the Import Permit Program by email at importpermit@cdc.gov or telephone at (404) 718-2077.

If my information does not change on my import permit, do I need to still complete an application to renew it?

Yes. The application must be resubmitted in eIPP.

How do I account for multiple senders shipping imported materials to our facility?

If the imported material is being sent from more than one sender, select “Add Sender & Add Template” to add additional senders. Currently, there are no limits on the number of senders that can be entered.

How do I account for multiple agents that our facility will receive?

If your facility will receive multiple agents, select "Add Infectious Biological Agent & Add Template" to include the scientific name of all known/suspected infectious biological agents in Section D, items #5–11. Currently, there are no limits on the number of agents/vectors that can be entered.

"Infectious biological agent" is defined as a microorganism [including, but not limited to, bacteria (including rickettsiae), viruses, fungi, or protozoa] or prion, whether naturally occurring, bioengineered, or artificial, or a component of such microorganism or prion that is capable of causing communicable disease in a human.

How do I list animals that are vectors of disease?

If the specific agents are not known, it is acceptable to list the genus and species of the vector in Section D, item #5 (e.g., non-human primates such as rhesus macaques should be listed as Macaca mulatta and bats such as Egyptian fruit bats should be listed as Rousettus aegyptiacus).

I have an existing import permit that is about to expire. How do I request a renewal?

All requests for renewal of an existing import permit require the submission of a new application and current digital signature of the permittee via eIPP. To prevent lapses in the import permit status, it is recommended that permit renewal applications be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date on the current permit.