Importation
Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) issues permits for importing all transgenic non-melanogaster Drosophila strains regardless of the sequences present in the transgenes. It also issues permits for any non-melanogaster Drosophila strain carrying a transgenic microorganism. Follow the directions at Importation and interstate transportation of nonroutine transgenic Drosophila melanogaster strains and list the relevant species in the application.
Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) issues permits for importing nontransgenic Drosophila regardless of species—as long as they do not carry transgenic microorganisms. Follow the instructions at Importing nontransgenic Drosophila melanogaster strains, but substitute the relevant species for D. melanogaster in the instructions.
Interstate movement
BRS issues Interstate Movement Permits for all transgenic non-melanogaster Drosophila strains and all non-melanogaster Drosophila strains carrying transgenic microorganisms. Follow the directions for Importation and interstate transportation of nonroutine transgenic Drosophila melanogaster strains.
Interstate Movement Permits are required for other non-melanogaster Drosophila strains only if the species is considered a significant plant pest. Currently, Drosophila suzukii is the only Drosophila species commonly used in research that requires an Interstate Movement Permit, but you should contact Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) with questions. Some insects in closely related genera, such as Zaprionus, are subject to strict controls. Should PPQ require an Interstate Movement Permit, use the same application form used for importing nontransgenic Drosophila melanogaster strains, but choose "Interstate Movement" on the form.
Special rules for Hawaii and U.S. territories
Special laws exist to protect the indigenous flora and fauna of the Hawaiian islands. An import permit from the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture is required to import any Drosophila strain from other U.S. states or from foreign countries. Import permits are issued with special shipping labels, which must be affixed to shipments. Hawaii residents should apply for permits and provide them and shipping labels to colleagues wishing to ship flies.
Shipments from foreign countries into Hawaii also require the same USDA documentation required for import into other U.S. states described above, but do not additionally require an Interstate Movement Permit even if they transit through the continental U.S.
Shipments of non-melanogaster Drosophila strains into Hawaii or U.S. territories from continental states also require USDA documentation. Transgenic strains and strains carrying transgenic microorganisms require an Interstate Movement Permit from BRS. Nontransgenic strains require an Interstate Movement Permit from PPQ (Permit 526). (The PPQ application process is identical to that described for Applying for a permit to import nontransgenic Drosophila melanogaster except "Interstate Movement" is chosen in step 15, "Multiple States" is chosen in step 16 and "Continental U.S." is chosen in step 17.) Single shipments with different kinds of strains require all applicable documentation. Hawaii and territory residents should apply for the relevant documents and provide them to colleagues wishing to ship flies.