Isolation of Organisms from Soil
PPQ considers the isolation of organisms from soil to be a legitimate analytical activity for which the importation of soil may be authorized if the soil is handled and treated as prescribed in an APHIS permit. A soil permit provides very specific controls over the soil itself, but does not authorize the removal or maintenance of organisms from the soil.
Permittees are cautioned that soil may contain plant, animal, or human disease agents which are likely to be prohibited, restricted, or otherwise regulated under other authorities. The permittee is responsible for ensuring that all activities related to the removal and/or maintenance of organisms from soil are authorized by the proper authorities. For isolating and culturing plant pests from imported soil, complete an Application to Move Live Plant Pests and Noxious Weeds (PPQ Form 526).