Importing Samples into the USA: CDC, USDA, and CITES in One View

The United States is the most common destination for biosample shipments — and the most layered on import control. Even non-infectious material may need formal entry; assuming “it's just a tube of saliva” clears customs is how shipments end up destroyed at the border.

The three gates

• CDC import permit — required for infectious agents and biological materials capable of carrying them, including some human and animal specimens; apply well ahead, permits are entity-specific
• USDA / APHIS — animal-origin products, byproducts, and some media components fall under veterinary control rules
• CITES — material derived from protected species (research compounds, some traditional materials) needs convention permits from both exporting and importing sides
• Formal customs entry with a competent broker is standard for biological material, even without a permit requirement
• Hand-carrying samples into the US has its own rules — never assume a personal flight replaces a permit

We screen every US-bound shipment against these three gates before anything moves. It is cheaper to answer a question before departure than at the border.