Research Samples

International travelers returning to the United States with research samples are required to declare the research samples to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) for entry processing.

MSU travelers must comply with federal import and shipping regulations as required by the research sample type.

There are 47 Partner Government Agencies (PGA), which may have a controlling interest over the sample type—including the Food and Drug Agency (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS), among others.

• Artifacts
• Biological (including human, animal, agricultural, microbiological)
• Chemical
• Environmental

• The traveler declaring research sample entry is liable for the information and documentation provided to CBP.
• If your samples are subject to a PGA, knowing the import and permit requirements will avoid unnecessary entry delays, potential forfeiture of samples, and possible PGA enforcement actions. 

• Consider using MSU’s preferred air service couriers, FedEx and/or DHL, to return samples.
• Pre-plan self-declared entry
  • Know the research sample type
  • Identify any Partnering Government Agency and applicable permit requirements