Additional Requirements

Shipping Requirements for Importation of Materials

• Department of Transportation’s Guidance for Completing the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods [PDF – 169 KB]
  This document provides step-by-step instructions for correctly filling out the Department of Transportation’s Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods to avoid delay in the importation into the U.S. and subsequent transfers within the U.S. of infectious biological materials that could cause disease in humans.

Other Permits for Importation of Materials

The Import Permit Program works along with other federal agencies to ensure the safe handling and use of imported biological materials.  Additional permits for the importation of materials may be required, such as the following:

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Import Export Service (NIES), Organisms and Vectors (OV) Unit regulates the importation into the United States, and interstate transportation, of organisms and vectors of pathogenic diseases of livestock and poultry. Further information may be obtained by contacting the organisms and vectors staff via email at OV@aphis.usda.gov or via phone at 301-851-3300 option 3 (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/organisms-vectors).
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permits are required for certain live animals, including bats. Please call 1-800-344-WILD for further information (www.fws.gov/).

Exports of Infectious Materials

The export of a wide variety of microorganisms and toxins of human, plant, and animal diseases may require a license from the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.  Further information may be obtained by calling the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security at 202-482-4811 or through the internet at www.bis.doc.gov/Licensing/.

Helpful Links

CDC’s Division of Global Migration Health website has a number of resources related to importation that may be useful, including an informative video about necessary steps to take when importing biologics and vectors.  Please see the following additional links for more information:

• Information on bringing an animal into the U.S. (e.g. pets)
• Information on bringing animal products into the U.S. (e.g. hunting trophies, bushmeat)
  • This webpage includes information on rendering animal products non-infectious
• Guidance for importation of human remains into the U.S. for interment or subsequent cremation