Authorization to import or export human embryonic stem cells
Published on 4 April 2025
Importing or exporting human embryonic stem cells for research purposes is strictly regulated by law, and requires prior authorization issued by the Agence de la biomédecine, after consulting the Orientation Council. On this page, you will find the procedure to follow, as well as the documents you need to submit your application to the Agency.
Request for authorization
The file should preferably be sent electronically or by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, or handed in against a receipt, to the following address
Agence de la biomédecine - Direction juridique - 1 avenue du Stade de France
93212 Saint-Denis La Plaine Cedex
After checking the admissibility of the authorization application, the Agency acknowledges receipt. Where the required documents or information are missing, the Agency sets a deadline by which they must be supplied.
The General Management of the Agence de la biomédecine notifies the applicant establishment or organization of its decision within 4 months of submission of the application. Silence on the application during this period is deemed to constitute an implicit decision to refuse authorization.
Please note that authorization to import or export human embryonic stem cells is valid for two years, is issued for each operation envisaged, and cannot be renewed.
After this period, or if you wish to import/export new embryonic stem cell lines, you must submit a new authorization application, which will be processed under the same conditions as the initial application.
Authorization renewal
Authorizations are issued for a maximum of 2 years. If the research has not been completed by the end of this period, a new authorization application must be submitted to the Agency.
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