The importation to the U.S. of biological, chemical or hazardous materials may require permits and compliance with certain regulations. For example, the importation of certain etiological agents, hosts or vectors of human diseases requires a permit from the CDC. If you wish to import a select agent or toxin, you need to register with the CDC and comply with the regulations governing the use, transfer and possession of select agents and toxins.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) controls the importation of many items, such as live animals and animal embryos. Import permits from APHIS are required for the importation of plant pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycoplasms and nematodes) as well as for any fruit and vegetable samples.
In addition to U.S. legal requirements, the country from which material or samples are exported may require that a permit be obtained. Many countries are increasing their surveillance and other enforcement activity in areas where exports implicate national cultural or financial interests. Faculty and staff should research these requirements prior to conducting any collection, excavation or other research activities in the relevant country.
Faculty and staff should also be aware of the ethical and legal issues related to the acquisition of significant works of art, artifacts and antiquities from countries outside the U.S. Several international treaties address these issues including:
- The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, 1954
- The UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, 1970
- The UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects, 1995
Guidance on the import of biological, chemical or hazardous materials can be obtained from Yale Environmental Health & Safety. Please direct other questions to the Office of General Counsel at (203) 432-4949.
Updated: 04-10-2014