Imports/exports of animal samples to the United States are regulated through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Because Jonah Ventures would be the importers, we need to be the ones to file for the permits. Please contact us for details and let us know several months in advance of when you plan to send the samples. It can take several months to process the permits. It is important that you provide us with all possible details about the samples to avoid holdups during the shipping process. 


PLEASE let us know ahead of time if you would like to get your samples back. We may need to obtain additional documentation when they are processed upon entering the United States.


Contact info for agencies:

USDA: email, (970) 494-7478

USFWS: email, (703) 358-2104


USDA

We will need to fill out "VS Form 16-3 Application for Permit To: Import or Transport Controlled Material or Organisms or Vectors." The standard cost is $150. 


Fecal samples that are coming from other countries must be heat treated before shipment to remove pathogens. The only acceptable method of heat treating as per the USDA is at 72 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Don't worry, this will not affect the integrity of the DNA. 


USFWS

In general, USFWS does not regulate samples heading to research labs. However, if your species is listed in CITES Appendix I, II, or III, or on the Endangered Species Act, or is a migratory bird, we will need to fill out additional permits. USFWS will only accept certain samples through certain ports as well. CITES listing can be found here and Endangered Species Act listing can be found here.