Biotechnology Permits and Notifications
APHIS regulates the importation, interstate movement, or environmental release (i.e., outdoor field trials) of certain organisms developed using genetic engineering (including plants, insects, and microbes) that may pose a plant pest risk.
Permit applications, which APHIS regulatory scientists carefully review, provide details about the nature of the organism and the conditions that will be used to prevent the spread and establishment of the organism in the environment. A permit may include additional conditions to help prevent unauthorized release into the environment.
A notification is a streamlined alternative to a permit. A modified plant must meet specific eligibility criteria, and the introduction must meet certain pre-defined performance standards.
Guides and Resources with Pending Revisions
- Guide for Submitting Confidential Business Information (315.59 KB)
- Permit User Guide (948.53 KB)
- BRS Permitting Assistant User Guide
- Guide to Submitting Data for Reports and Notices in APHIS eFile (892.55 KB)
- DRAFT Guide for Submitting Permit Applications for Microorganisms
- SOP Template for APHIS BRS Plant Permits
- SOP Template for APHIS BRS Modified Microbe Movement Permits
Additional Guides and Resources:
- Additional Regulatory Requirements for Authorizations (208.15 KB)
- APHIS eFile Training Resources
- BRS User’s Guide: General Document Preparation Guidelines for Submission to BRS
- Minimum Separation Distances to be used for Confined Field Tests of Certain Genetically Engineered Plants
- APHIS Recommendations for Best Management Practices for Authorized Field Trials of Regulated Herbicide-Resistant Crops
- List of Petunia Varieties
Download all BRS Permits and Notifications Data
- Download all BRS Permit and Notification data from APHIS eFile in csv file (2.01 MB)
- Download all BRS Permit and Notification data from ePermits in csv file (14.79 MB)
Paper Application
APHIS Form 2000 (67.52 KB)
Mail to: APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Permit Staff
4700 River Road, Unit 78
Riverdale, MD 20737
A permit is not required for the importation of interstate movement of most Drosophila melanogaster developed using genetic engineering. In these instances, APHIS provides a “Letter of No Permit Required” to facilitate importation these organisms. Please refer to the instructions below for information on how to submit your request.