You require a permit if you wish to import pathogens
- import pathogens into Germany,
- export them from Germany,
- store them,
- dispense them or
- want to work with them.
Pathogens are viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and other pathogens that can cause an infection or transmissible disease in humans.
Certain persons or activities are exempt from the authorisation requirement:
- Doctors, dentists and veterinarians who carry out microbiological tests for diagnostic purposes on their own patients
- Persons who
- Carry out microbiological quality assurance work and
- have the necessary expertise and
- the competent authority exempts them from the authorisation requirement upon request
- Employees who work under the supervision of a person who
- has a licence or
- are exempt from the authorisation requirement
- certain procedures (e.g. sterility testing)
If you belong to one of the above-mentioned groups, please enquire with the competent authority before commencing work. You must notify them of the activity.