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Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

Do You Want to Send or Receive Biological Material?

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You should know the Federal Government manages the transport of a wide variety of biological materials commonly used in research.  The NIH Quarantine Permit Service Office (QPSO) is your resource to help you navigate complex requirements for the import, transfer or export of biological research materials.

Contact QPSO if you intend to import or export any biological material, even if you don’t consider it infectious.  You can do this by calling 301-496-2960 or by sending an e-mail to qpso@mail.nih.gov.  A QPSO officer will answer your questions and guide you through the relevant application procedures to help you get the correct permits for your biological material. If you have important research and need that special sample sooner rather than later, save time and stress by contacting QPSO.

For information on this or other NIH Safety Programs, contact the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at 301-496-2960 or online at http://go.usa.gov/xX9f7.



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As of May 7, 2025, the NIH only accepts state-issued driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards that are compliant with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) REAL ID Act. Learn more about REAL ID.

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