For Developers of Organisms That May Be Regulated Under 7 CFR Part 340

APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) 

User Guide for the BRS Permitting Assistant

Version 1.0

August 2021
WELCOME! 

USDA APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Services has a new tool that 

helps developers navigate BRS regulatory requirements for importation, 

interstate movement, and environmental release of organisms that are 

developed using genetic engineering.

This user guide will take you through the process of using the 

Biotechnology Regulatory Services Permitting Assistant (BRSPA).
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BRS PERMITTING ASSISTANT USER GUIDE

Step 1: Access the BRS Permitting Assistant

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Step 2: Complete the BRS Permitting Assistant

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Step 3: Review and Confirm Outcomes

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Step 1: Access the BRS Permitting Assistant

• Navigate to https://efile.aphis.usda.gov/s/ in Google Chrome.

• Although it is not required, you may choose to Login or Register at this time.

• Guests may use the BRS Permitting Assistant to explore regulatory requirements for an organism.

• Please note that you will need to login to begin an application.

• Instructions for registration can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/help/eFile/efile-first-time-user-setup.pdf

• Scroll to the Find What You Need section and select the Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) Permitting Assistant link.

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Step 2: Complete the BRS Permitting Assistant

Complete the Permitting Assistant to begin the application process.

• Enter the organism details into the appropriate search fields. 

Note: Under What are you applying for:

• Select Help Me Decide to explore your organism's regulatory requirements.

• Select Permit if you know you want to apply for a permit.

• Select the Search button.

SEARCH PAGE

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Use the “See List” hyperlinks to 

view full lists of your options

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Select the “i” icons to 

reveal tool tips

If you cannot find your organism in Step 1, please contact BRS.eFile@usda.gov.

Include the scientific and common names of the organism for which you 

searched.
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Step 2: Complete the BRS Permitting Assistant

• Select the appropriate response for each Attribute Filter to refine 

your organism search results, if applicable.

Note: For best results complete ALL attribute 

filters in top to bottom order until there is only ONE 

result remaining in the Outcome area. 

Some of the filters are selection-order dependent, 

meaning that your first selection may limit which 

filters you select next. 

SEARCH PAGE

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Use the “X” to remove an 

individual filter and “Clear All” to 

remove all selected filters.
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Step 2: Complete the BRS Permitting Assistant

• Complete the attribute filters until one result remains. Review the information on the Outcome Card.

• Select Add Outcome to add the result as a single outcome. You may revisit Step 1 of the Permitting Assistant to perform another 

search and add more than one outcome before proceeding.

• Once you have selected and added your outcome(s), select Next Step to Review and Confirm Outcomes.

SEARCH PAGE

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To remove an 

outcome, select the 

Remove Outcome 

button.
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Step 3: Review and Confirm Outcomes 

Review and Confirm your Outcomes on the Request 

Summary page.

• To conduct another search and add additional 

outcomes, select Go Back and Add More 

Outcomes.

• The list of the outcomes you added will display 

within each of the sections that apply.

• Use the Trash Can icon to delete items from your 

summary page.

• If you would like to receive a link to your Request 

Summary, enter your email then select Send. 

• If your request resulted in any permit applications, 

select the Proceed to Application to complete 

the permit application.

SUMMARY PAGE

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APPENDIX

System Setup

• Browser – For the best user experience, please use Google Chrome 

• Emails – Add no-reply.aphis.efile@usda.gov to your address book so that 

any Request Summaries sent from the BRSPA do not go to your junk box

• Zoom –100%

Contact

If you require assistance with your applications or 

BRS’ Permitting Assistant, please contact:

Biotechnology Regulatory Services

(301) 851-3300

BRS.eFile@usda.gov

If you require technical assistance, please contact:

USDA Help Desk

help@usda.gov

For access to the most recent version of this user guide, and for other APHIS eFile support materials, visit 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/banner/help/efile/efile-training