What to know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Import Permit Program (IPP) may inspect an entity to verify the importer has implemented biosafety measures commensurate with the hazard posed by the infectious biological agent, infectious substance and/or vector to be imported, and the level of risk given its intended use.
Overview
Source: IP Gram - 11/1/21
IPP inspectors have the authority to perform these inspections in accordance with the Import Permit Regulations (42 CFR Part 71.54).
All IPP inspectors have undergone appropriate Federal background investigations and obtained the necessary medical clearance to conduct IPP inspections. Each inspector also maintains a copy of his/her immunization records and his/her respirator fit testing card.
An IPP inspector may show an entity his/her official government badge to identify themselves prior to performing an inspection. The official government badge consists of the employee's name, picture of the employee, the individual's personal identifier number, and the government agency with which the employee is affiliated. In addition, the facility may request IPP to provide the entity with an "Inspector Verification" letter prior to the arrival of the inspectors that includes information on the individual's current health status.
The IPP inspector is not allowed to:
- Give the entity his/her official government badge in exchange for the entity's identification badge. In addition, the entity is not allowed to copy the badge.
- Sign a confidentiality agreement.
- Sign any type of document releasing the entity from liability.
Therefore, doing so may not be required as a condition for entry to conduct an IPP inspection.
In addition, the entity to be inspected may not require the inspector to do any of the following as a condition of entry:
- Provide the entity with any personal identification such as driver's license, social security card, etc.
- Participate in any entity medical surveillance program.
Failure to grant an IPP inspector access to the locations necessary to conduct an inspection may result in denial or revocation of an IPP import permit.