Regulated Organism and Soil Permits |
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Under the authority of the Plant Protection and Honeybee Acts, a Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) 526 permit is required for the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of plant pests (plant feeding insects, mites, snails, slugs, and plant pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.), biological control organisms of plant pests and weeds, bees, parasitic plants and Federally listed noxious weeds.
PPQ also requires a 526 permit for the importation and interstate movement of soil for the purpose of isolating or culturing microorganisms from the soil. If the organism is imported on/in host material, no separate permit is required for the host material if the host material is not intended for propagation.
PPQ is authorized to inspect shipments and/or facilities at any time to verify compliance with permit conditions. Receipt of a PPQ permit does not relieve the applicant from the obligation to comply with the regulations of other Federal, State, and local agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Environmental Protection Agency).
PPQ 526 Permit
The PPQ 526 permit for importation, interstate movement, possession, and/or release into the environment of:
- Insects and Mites (other than Bees, Butterflies and Moths, and Biocontrol Organisms)
- Bees
- Butterflies and Moths
- Biocontrol Organisms
- Plant Pathogenic Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Mycoplasms, and Nematodes
- Snails and Slugs
- Federal Noxious Weeds and Parasitic Plants
- Earthworms
- Soil (Use PPQ Form 525-A, Application for Permit to Receive Soil)
- Widely Prevalent Regulated Organisms
How to Apply for a PPQ Form 526 |
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APHIS offers both the on-line ePermits system and a manual process for application submission. PPQ strongly recommends applicants submit permit applications on-line, via the ePermits system because ePermits efficiently provides applicants electronic access to their applications and permits. View the above link for information on these application options, and the following link to start the application process.
Permit Processing Steps and Timelines |
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Applications for 526 permits are processed in the order received. PPQ receives over six thousand 526 permit applications per year. The average application processing time is eighty (80) days. The processing time depends on the complexity of the request. On-line application submission using ePermits can save up to thirty (30) days. Click on the above link to view a list of time frames generally associated with each step in the process.
Compliance, Enforcement and Inspections |
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PPQ is committed to the safe and proper handling of regulated organisms to mitigate the potential harm resulting from release and establishment. PPQ mitigates pest risk by ensuring compliance with conditions, conducting inspections of facilities, and by tracking importation shipments into the country.
Frequently Asked Questions |
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View a list of the commonly asked questions and concerns associated with the application process for a permit to move live plant pests or noxious weeds.
For Additional Information on Organism Permits:
Contact Us:
Telephone 301-734-0841, Toll Free 866-524-5421, or E-mail Evaluation and Permitting of Regulated Organisms & Soil