APHIS Announces Updated Permitting Resources for Developers

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) is pleased to share updated resources to help developers more efficiently prepare and submit APHIS BRS’ permit applications.

Today’s announcement culminates a nearly year-long business process improvement project, during which BRS analyzed its current permitting process, designed improvements to streamline the application review process, and prepared for implementation in fiscal year 2025.

These resources also deliver some of the commitments identified in the May 2024 Plan for Regulatory Reform that USDA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed to support Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy.”  APHIS BRS continues its work on other deliverables to further clarify and streamline its biotechnology regulations. 

View New Resources:

  • Permit User Guide (5.84 MB)—Implements stakeholder feedback to clarify information requirements and how APHIS BRS uses the information when reviewing permit applications, provides tips on efficient entering information into permit applications, and provides sample supplemental permit conditions for the two most frequently permitted crop types (corn and soybean) and import and interstate movement permits.   
  • Updated Guide for Submitting Permit Applications for Microorganisms (2.51 MB)—Includes instructions for completing a streamlined permit application for interstate movement of multiple microorganisms between contained facilities.