COVID-19 Update from BRS--Electronic Submissions

April 3, 2020　

Dear BRS Stakeholder,　

All of us in Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) hope you and yours are doing well during these difficult days. As we have been monitoring the rapidly changing nature of COVID-19, we want you to know that like you, we are doing our best to navigate this new reality. We wanted to reach out with an update on how we are handling business processes to best support the health and safety of both you and our team. Due to postal mail room service hours changing to two days a week (Tuesday and Thursday) at APHIS headquarters in Riverdale, MD, mail processing will be impacted. During this time of modified service, we encourage you to use the option of submitting paperwork to BRS electronically.　

As we previously communicated, petitions for nonregulated status can now be submitted electronically. Simply send an email to BRSPetitions@usda.gov to notify us of your intent to submit a petition electronically. We will then provide you a secure mechanism to submit it electronically. We also have a full list of email addresses on the BRS News webpage to electronically submit other documents.

This is an unprecedented time for everyone, but we want to assure you that our commitment to the safety of our employees and protecting the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources is as strong today as it ever was. We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and provide updates as we receive information. Be sure to regularly check the BRS home page.　

We wish you and your loved ones good health. Please continue to follow guidance from federal, state, and local governments. Above all, please exercise caution and stay safe.