FIELD GUIDE / 06
Regulation and Enforcement Research
Build a dated, source-based rule check for the organism, material, origin, destination, and movement type.
This page is a research method, not a list of current legal conclusions. Rules change and can differ across federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local jurisdictions.
Define the movement first
Record the organism, life stage, quantity, source, attached water or substrate, origin, destination, carrier route, purpose, and date. A rule search without these facts can return a correct rule for the wrong movement.
Use primary sources
Start with current agency statutes, regulations, official prohibited or restricted species lists, permit instructions, and formal notices. Record the exact source URL, title, issuing authority, revision or effective date, access date, and the part used in the decision.
Do not treat a search result, reseller summary, or old PDF as final authority. If sources conflict, stop and ask the responsible authority in writing.
Record the result as a decision
The record should state allowed, blocked, permit required, or unresolved. Name the reviewer and date. Attach permit identifiers and conditions where applicable. Set a review date for repeated routes.
Prepare for a hold
Staff need a safe process when an agency questions a shipment. Preserve records, isolate the material, prevent release, and follow the authority’s instructions. Do not improvise disposal or reshipment.