Please read Importing NIBSC Reagents before reading this document.

A number of specific requirements have been included in recent Import Permits for Influenza reagents. The following notes clarify what can and cannot be confirmed for the two categories of Influenza materials available.

Obtaining an import permit can take several weeks so we advise that you apply as early as possible, especially if you are interested in importing Swine Flu H1N1v materials. Some countries make a distinction between import permits for commercial purposes where the material will be distributed and for research purposes where the material will be consumed within the importing organisation. We advise applying for a RESEARCH permit as the conditions applied will usually be less strict and thus help to avoid delays.  If import conditions are required, please check with the product Instructions For Use or staff at NIBSC that the conditions are appropriate for the materials being ordered before finalising the Import Permit.

The reagent 'Instructions for Use' (IFU), which will accompany the shipment and which is also available on the NIBSC website, should be consulted for product specific information.

For current and future seasonal influenza reagents NIBSC is using its best efforts to obtain more information about the processes and materials used and this information will be included as it becomes available.  It is also looking to modify its processes to more closely match the requirements of importing countries.

Similarly for pandemic influenza reagents, NIBSC is trying to improve the information available and modify processes for the future.

For reagents which have been made in previous years, as indicated by the first two digits of the product code e.g. 07/nnn (2007), the reagents cannot be remanufactured and the information may no longer be obtainable.