Plant Industry Division

Microorganism includes algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.  Microorganisms may be allowed entry into Hawaii 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

List of Restricted Microorganisms (Part B)

List of Restricted Microorganisms (Part A)

List of Select Human Pathogens

 

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.
Information on the fee for processing the application, click here.  Checks shall be made payable to the Hawaii 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 bioaugmentation, 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 Hawaii.  Application to register a microbial product  For microbial products that contain a microorganism species under trade secret, the applicant must request for the trade secret application by emailing to: [email protected].  The registration fee is $150.00 payable to the Hawaii 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.  Download a application  The application fee for a microbial product depends on the list placement of the microorganism.  Lists of microorganisms, see section above. Here is the fee schedule. Full payment is required at the time of application.

 

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

Oahu              1849 Auiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819, telephone: 808-832-0566

Hawaii            16-E Lanikaula Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, telephone: 808-974-4141

Maui                  635 Mua Street, Kahului, Hawaii 96732, telephone:  808-873-3962

Kauai              4398A Pua Loke Street, Lihue, Hawaii 96766, telephone: 808-241-7135

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