This includes not only animal products and byproducts, but also biological materials derived from animals or exposed to animal source materials. Exceptions to this requirement are human and non-human primate tissues, serum, and blood. It is the importer's responsibility to ensure that a USDA import permit is obtained in advance of shipment. A copy of the permit must be included with shipment. These permits can take up to 6 weeks to process.
Permits are good for one year.
Ammendments are changes made in the application during the one year permitting period. Only Visa and MasterCard credit numbers will be accepted as payment when the application is faxed. Contact the BSO for additional information. Exportation of certain materials, substances, agents, equipment etc. is regulated by the U.S. Department of Commerce which is concerned with, among other things, the transfer of weaponry and high technology to developing nations and to political entities inimical to the interests of the U.S., and the introduction of highly pathogenic agents into the world marketplace.