A permit may be required for importation, transit, movement by mail, or environmental release of plants or organisms that may impact local flora or agriculture. The process for determining when a permit is required depends upon what you want to collect and your intended use of the material.
If you are not sure whether your intended activity requires a USDA-APHIS permit, email USDA APHIS at biotechquery@aphis.usda.gov or (301)734-5301.
If your research involves moving any of the following into or out of Georgia, contact USDA-APHIS-PPQ to determine if a permit is required for your import or export.
• Importation of soil or plant materials, plant pests or plant associated organisms across state lines for research or domesitc purposes
• Exportation of soil or plant materials, plant pests or plant associated organisms across state lines for research or domesitc purposes
• Organisms and Soil
• Plant and Plant products
7 CFR 340.2 – Groups of organisms which are or contain plant pests and exemptions
Introductions (interstate movement, importation or environmental release) of a regulated genetically engineered organism is overseen by USDA-APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Service. Introductions and housing in outdoor venues (screen house, greenhouse, lath house, external beds) are authorized by USDA under either a permit or notification process.
USDA provides a frequently asked questions site to assist researchers in determining their permit needs. Plan early as permits may take up to 60 days to receive.
Under its biotechnology regulations, USDA does not currently ( regulate, or have any plans to regulate plants that could otherwise have been developed through traditional breeding techniques as long as they are developed without the use of a plant pest as the donor or vector and they are not themselves plant pests. This can include plant varieties with the following changes:
Last updated: 3/29/2018
Office of Research Integrity • PO Box 8005, Statesboro, GA 30460 • General Inquiries: (912) 478-2359 • irb@georgiasouthern.edu