USDA Tweaks Paperwork for Importing GMO Plants and Critters
Published Date: 2/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is updating and extending the paperwork rules for bringing genetically engineered plants and organisms into the country. This affects scientists, companies, and farmers who work with these modified products. You’ve got until April 27, 2026, to share your thoughts, and these changes help keep the process smooth without adding extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Three-Year Renewed Paperwork Approval
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise and extend approval of the information collection for 7 CFR part 340 for an additional 3 years. This affects applicants who must continue to submit required paperwork under the regulations while APHIS seeks OMB approval.
Reinstated Reporting and Petition Requirements
APHIS is reinstating certain information-collection activities including notifications, field test reporting, and petitions to deregulate regulated organisms. These reinstated activities will require scientists, companies, and farmers to submit those specific reports and petitions under 7 CFR part 340.
Paperwork Burden Quantified
APHIS estimates the public burden at 1.64 hours per response, with 554 annual respondents, 19 responses per respondent (10,294 annual responses), and a total estimated annual burden of 16,907 hours. These numeric estimates describe the expected time commitment for applicants who submit forms under 7 CFR part 340.
Permit Required Before Introduction
Under 7 CFR part 340, a permit must be obtained before any organism subject to the regulations may be introduced (imported, moved interstate, or released into the environment). This requirement applies to persons working with organisms altered or produced through genetic engineering that are regulated as plant pests or believed to be plant pests.
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Key Dates
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