Microorganism Import Guidelines

Importing Microorganisms

Microorganism includes algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.  Microorganisms may be allowed entry into Hawai`i through permit or other related approvals (i.e., letter of authorization, registration) obtained in advance of shipment.

The microorganism import requirement for permit and other related approvals is based on the microorganism species and its intended use. 

The lists of microorganisms are promulgated by rules to allow the review of each microorganism species for appropriate placement on one of the lists of microorganisms based on their risk category.  The lists of microorganisms are as follows:

            List of Nonrestricted Microorganisms, click here.

            List of Restricted Microorganisms (Part B), click here

            List of Restricted Microorganisms (Part A), click here

            List of Select Human Pathogens, click here

Microorganisms not on any list may be reviewed for import and proper placement on one of the lists above.

Importers of microorganisms must submit an application (Form PQ-7) to import of any microorganism species.  Importers must also meet the requirements of the permit or related approvals.  The timeframe for processing an application depends on the microorganism’s list placement and its intended use. 

For information on the fee for processing the application, click here.  Checks shall be made payable to the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.  Full payment is required at the time of application.

Importing Microbial Products

Microbial product means a manufactured product containing known cultures of microorganisms for the purpose of bioremediation or bioaumentation, including a product such as a microbial pesticide.

The import requirements for microbial products depend on the list placement of the microorganism.  Product registration, which is valid for one year, applies to products containing natural strains of microorganisms that are on the List of Nonrestricted Microorganisms.  Registered products may be offered for sale and distribution in Hawai`i.  For the application to register a microbial product, click here.  For microbial products that contain a microorganism species under trade secret, the applicant must request for the trade secret application by emailing to: Amy.N.Takahashi@hawaii.gov.  The registration fee is $150.00 payable to the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.

Microbial products that do not meet the requirements for registration may be allowed entry into Hawaii by permit issued on a case-by-case basis to the end user of the product.  For the application, click here.  The application fee for a microbial product depends on the list placement of the microorganism.  For the lists of microorganisms, see section above, and for the fee schedule, click here.  Full payment is required at the time of application.

Applications are accepted in person or mail to the following Plant Quarantine Branch offices: 

            O`ahu              1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96819, telephone: 808-832-0566

            Hawai`i            16-E Lanikaula Street, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720, telephone: 808-974-4141

            Maui                  635 Mua Street, Kahului, Hawai`i 96732, telephone:  808-873-3962

            Kaua`i              4398A Pua Loke Street, Lihue, Hawai`i 96766; 808-274-3071                         

The importation of any microorganism without a permit or related approval is a violation of chapter 150A and may be subject to penalty.