Reminder of Import Requirements for Microorganisms

TRADE ALERT

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Import Requirements for Microorganisms

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(May 20, 2009)

As a reminder, any importations of microorganisms, including yeast, bacteria, yogurt cultures, etc. have additional import requirements.

There are three different categories of microorganisms:<= /span>

&= Oslash;      Nonrecombinant Microorganisms (such as yogurt, soil, and penicillin additives):&n= bsp; These microorganisms require a shipper or producer’s declarati= on including the Genus and species of the microorganism and stating that the Microorganism is not considered = to be pathogenic to livestock or poultry

&= Oslash;      Recombinant Microorganisms (such as bac= teria, viruses, yeast): These microorganisms also require a shipper or producer’s declaration, but it requires additional detail, which can = vary depending on whether any animal derived additives or stabilizers were added= .

·= ;      =    A declaration which provides, in a clear and concise manner, the following information for Recombinant Microorganisms Containing Animal Derived Additives or Stabilizers:

o      = A detailed name or description of the microbe/recombinant product, including genetic insert

o      = Identification of additive or stabilizer Confirmation that the material is produced by recombinant microbial express= ion (vector must not be considered pathogenic for livestock or avian species)

o      = Confirmation that the organism does = not contain genes or express antigens of livestock or poultry disease agents <= /span>

o      = Confirmation that the product will be u= sed only in vitro

·= ;      =    A declaration which provides, in a clear and concise manner, the following information for Recombinant Microorganisms Not Containing Animal Derived Additives or Stabilizers:

o      = Detailed name or description of the microbe/recombinant product, including genetic insert

o      = Confirmation that the preparation does = not contain any animal-derived additives, such as albumin

o      = Confirmation that the material is produ= ced by recombinant microbial expression (vector must not be considered pathogenic for livestock or avian species)

o      = Confirmation that the organism does = not contain genes or express antigens of livestock or poultry disease agents=

&= Oslash;      Recombinant Microorganisms which pose a threat to humans: Any microorganism that can pose a threat to humans requir= es a CDC permit (Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Complete import requirements can be found on the link below (pages = 7-8)

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/p= lants/manuals/ports/downloads/apm_pdf/03_08liveanimals.pdf

Please contact your Deringer representative for any further assista= nce.

A.N. Deringer, Inc. is a leading provider of international logistics services including Freight Forwarding, Warehousing & Distribution, Cust= oms Brokerage, Logistics Consulting, Cargo Insurance, and Meat Inspection. Deri= nger combines over 30 US offices with a global agency network to facilitate the movement of cargo throughout the world.