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United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS)
This website will not be updated during a lapse in federal funding. Content on this website will not be current or maintained until funding issues have been resolved.

Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS)

In order to protect plant health, Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) implements APHIS regulations for certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms that may pose a risk to plant health. APHIS coordinates these responsibilities along with the other designated federal agencies as part of the Federal Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology.

Program Priorities

  • Regulations

    Established as a formal policy in 1986, the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology describes the Federal system for evaluating products developed using modern biotechnology.

  • Permits, Notifications, and Petitions

    APHIS regulates the introduction (importation, interstate movement, or environmental release) of certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms. All regulated introductions of GE organisms must be authorized by APHIS under either its permitting or notification procedures.

  • Compliance and Inspections

    BRS has a comprehensive system to help ensure that biotechnology organizations are maintaining compliance with APHIS’ biotechnology regulations.

  • BQMS Program

    The Biotechnology Quality Management Support (BQMS) Program helps biotechnology researchers and organizations analyze the critical control points within their management systems to help them better maintain compliance with APHIS regulations.

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