Do you want to send or receive biological material like pathogens, toxins or tissue samples? 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. QPSO maintains its current role in making determinations for import permits, issuance of letters for material exempted from Public Health Service import permits and export control for these items.
A QPSO team member will answer your questions and guide you through the relevant application procedures to help you get the correct permits for your biological material. If an import permit is required, QPSO will direct NIH personnel to the appropriate permit application process. So, if you have important research to do and need that special sample sooner rather than later, save time and stress by contacting QPSO.
Contact QPSO at 301-496-2960 or by sending an email to qpso@mail.nih.gov if you intend to import or export any biological material, even if you don't consider it infectious.
Permits and Declarations
An application for importation must be submitted to the NIH Quarantine Permit Service Office (QPSO) when importing biological products, diagnostic or infectious materials into the United States. A request for importation must be submitted to the NIH Quarantine Permit Service Office (QPSO) when importing biological products, diagnostic or infectious materials into the United States. A request for importation must be submitted for the transfer of previously permitted imported material. When sending any and all biological material from NIH facilities to an overseas destination, an export declaration must be signed by NIH QPSO.
All packaging must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods regulations. Federal and international regulations require that the packager successfully complete job-specific training and be trained to ship biological products, diagnostic or infectious materials.
An application for importation must also be submitted for the transfer of previously permitted imported material. NIH personnel who wish to receive biological material from outside the United States must submit import request(s) through QPSO.
Preparing to Ship
All packages containing infectious material must be shipped through the Freight Forwarding Section located in Building 13, Room 1759. Freight Forwarding Section can be reached at (301) 496-5921. Proper packaging supplies may be purchased through any vendor selling United Nations (UN 6.2)
certified packaging materials. When sending any and all biological material from NIH facilities to an overseas destination, an export declaration must be signed by NIH QPSO.
Other Resources
The Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) is available to answer your questions. Our Safety Specialists are assigned by Institute and Center. You can find your specialist on our website.
Watch our Safetycast in a Minute featuring QPSO information.
Questions can be directed to the Office of Research Services, Division of Occupational Health and Safety by calling 301-496-2960 or e-mailing qpso@mail.nih.gov.
