The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the transport of potentially invasive species, pests, and/or agricultural threats through their Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Permits are required for importation, interstate transit, or release of regulated animals, animal products, veterinary biologics, plants, plant products, pests, organisms, soil, and genetically engineered organisms.
The type of material being imported or transported will dictate the type of permit that needs to be in place prior to the movement of the material. As part of the permitting process, security for the building and specific lab, storage plans, work practices, and decontamination methods all need to be considered and appropriate plans put into place. This process can take several months, so it is ideal to begin the process as soon as you know you will be needing these materials. Fixed, autoclaved, and irradiated samples may be exempt so be sure to verify the applicability before you begin the process.