As part of the first major revision of U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations on the shipment of transgenic organisms in many years, most transgenic Drosophila melanogaster stocks were specifically exempted from import permits and interstate movement permits. This is a big deal, because now only a couple kinds of unusual stocks will require formal permits. Most stocks now need only simple documents that are much easier to obtain and use. 

USDA officials have worked closely with the BDSC to put together easy-to-follow guidance for getting and using new import documents. We urge you to check out the webpages, apply for the new documents and abandon old documents as soon as possible.

The staff of Biotechnology Regulatory Services, the part of the USDA regulating transgenic organisms, have worked for several years behind the scenes to change regulations and practices regarding Drosophila. They clearly appreciate the importance of fly research and they have gone out of their way to make things as easy as possible for the Drosophila research community within the constraints of U.S. laws and federal procedures. We would like to thank them for their professionalism and helpfulness!