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Permits and Restrictions

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We are committed to ensuring a seamless ordering process and prompt delivery of your ATCC products. Certain materials in our collection may require you to obtain permit(s) from government agencies before ATCC can ship your order. The government agency permit application process can take several weeks, or more. To ensure you receive your order quickly, we recommend you proactively obtain the necessary permit(s) from the relevant government agencies. Here are some tips on permit requirements:

  • Start your permit process early! Review the ‘Permits and Restrictions’ section of the product page to understand the steps you need to take to receive your products.
  • Work with the relevant government agency to obtain the necessary permit. Please allow extra time from the government agency for permit approval—expect delays in receiving your permit. 
  • You may place your order now; however, products will not be confirmed and shipped until the necessary permit is provided to us. Permits can be emailed to [email protected]. Please include your sales order number.
  • Please reach out to [email protected] for additional support. 
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ATCC Requirements

Certain materials in the collection may require one or more permits to be filled out and submitted before the material can be distributed. A listing of the permits and licenses required for shipping a particular material can be found in the "Permits and Restrictions" section on the product page. Customers are notified when orders are received without the necessary permits and given two months to supply the permit before the order will be cancelled. Permits can be emailed to [email protected]. Please include your sales order number or purchase number.

Email your permits

USA Requirements

United States Veterinary Permit for Importation and Transportation of Controlled Materials and Organisms and Vectors:

Certain materials require a permit issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) to transport controlled materials and organisms and vectors. Complete and submit an “Application for Permit to Import or Transport Controlled Material or Organisms or Vectors” (VS Form 16-3). The fastest way to submit a permit is through the APHIS ePermits and eFile system. A paper application can also be submitted to APHIS, VS via fax, email, or mail. For information concerning regulations governing these permit requirements, please contact the VS organisms and vectors staff.

Permit to Move Live Plant Pests, Noxious Weeds, and Soil:

Certain materials require a permit issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), Plant Protection & Quarantine (PPQ) to transport live plant pests, noxious weeds, and soil. Complete and submit an “Application for Permit to Move Live Plant Pests, Noxious Weeds, Soil, and Prohibited Plants” (PPQ Form 526). The fastest way to submit a permit is through the APHIS ePermits and eFile system. A paper application can also be submitted to APHIS, PPQ via fax, email, or mail. For information concerning regulations governing these permit requirements, please contact the PPQ staff.

Permit or Courtesy Permit Under 7 CFR 340:

Certain materials require a permit issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) to transport organisms modified or produced through genetic engineering. Complete and submit an “Application for Permit or Courtesy Permit Under 7 CFR 340” (APHIS Form 2000). The fastest way to submit a permit is through the APHIS ePermits and eFile system. A paper application can also be submitted to APHIS, BRS via mail. For information concerning regulations governing these permit requirements, please contact the BRS staff.

State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch:

The importation of certain plants, microbial products, microorganisms, and viruses into the State of Hawaii requires an import permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA). It is the responsibility of customers located in Hawaii to contact HDOA, Plant Industry Division, Plant Quarantine Branch, Import Program to determine if an import permit is required.

Import Infectious Biological Agents, Infectious Substances, and Vectors:

Certain materials require a permit issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to transport infectious biological agents, infectious substances, and vectors. All CDC permit applications must be submitted electronically using the CDC eIPP system. For information concerning regulations governing these permit requirements, please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Import Permit Program (IPP).

International Requirements

International customers should request any necessary import permits or licenses from their appropriate government agency. Licenses must be provided to either ATCC or your ATCC distributor prior to shipment.

The international shipment of any material derived from endangered wildlife species listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is conditional on the issuance of a valid permit to ATCC by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Inquire with your national CITES management authority or authorities in charge of administering the CITES permit system on whether the material you are interested in requires an import permit.

In addition, the following countries will be required to submit information to ATCC. This information is required by Airlines & Freight brokers in order to secure shipment to end destinations. The accuracy and timeliness of this information is critical to the shipment of the order.

  • Argentina – CUIT (Clave Única de Identificación Tributaria) number
  • Ecuador – RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente) 13-digit Tax ID number 
  • Indonesia – HS (Harmonized System) Code (6 or 8 digit) number. Please confirm with government agency on which code to supply to ATCC.
  • Paraguay – RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente) four letter followed by 11-digit Tax ID number
  • Peru – RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente) 11-digit Tax ID number 
     

Limited Restriction Items

From time-to-time, ATCC must limit quantities on certain items being ordered. If this happens you will be contacted by an ATCC Representative for a discussion on how to proceed with the order.

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Nagoya Protocol Advisor Notice

Genetic material deposited with ATCC after 12 October 2014 falls under the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Nagoya Protocol. This allows for the fair sharing of genetic resources. Of particular relevance to ATCC customers are articles 6 (prior informed consent required), 14 (access and benefit clearing house), and 15 (local enforcement).

It is the responsibility of end users that these undertakings are complied with and we strongly recommend that customers refer to this prior to purchase. ATCC does not fall under the obligations of the Nagoya protocol; however, this can impact our customers and we recommend that you refer to the protocol to determine if your country falls under the new regulations. Please note that with a view to traceability the transfer of cultures to third parties is not permitted without consent from ATCC.

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Index of ATCC Forms