The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) program regulates the field testing, movement and importation of genetically engineered (GE) organisms that are known to be, or could be plant pests. BRS issues various types of permits for each of these activities. A Compliance & Enforcement program inspects, audits, and oversees activities under the permit process. BRS also evaluates petitions for deregulation of products. Among other BRS activities are coordinating domestic regulation and policy regarding GE organisms among U.S. agencies and encouraging the safe development and use of agricultural biotechnology products through international activities such as agreements, organizations, workshops, bilateral and multilateral negotiations, and regulatory capacity building.(Original source: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/index.html)
