Permit Requirements & Who Needs Them
Businesses, organizations, and agencies (even non-agricultural) that move regulated articles (e.g., vehicles, products, equipment) within or out of a quarantine zone, or into PA from other SLF-quarantined areas, must have an SLF permit. Permits are also required for in-state operations within the quarantine zone . Reciprocal permit agreements exist among multiple states, so one permit can cover operations across several jurisdictions.
SITUATIONS TO CONSIDER: Tax prep office inside zone with no goods movement → does not need a permit, but employees should carry a compliance checklist . Manufacturing facility shipping products → must have a permit. Traveling through the zone with contained load and no stops → permit not required.
School, transit, or charter buses with scheduled stops inside zone → permit required. Businesses receiving goods from SLF areas even via third-party carriers → must have a permit.
2. Permit Training & Issuance Training is available via SLFPERMITS.US, containing learning modules quizzes; passing (≥ 90%) earns a permit for year. After passing, the trainee will get an immediate certificate followed by an e-permit sent to your email within 1–2 weeks.
Use the course completion certificate as a temporary permit until the official one arrives.
3. Compliance, Records & Inspections Inspections: Conducted by the Department of Agriculture in cooperation with State Police. Methods include site visits, roadside checks, vehicle inspections. Random and periodic, influenced by SLF life cycle. During inspections, drivers must: Present permits (hard or electronic). Demonstrate understanding of SLF risks. If SLF is found: Destroy the insect, re‑inspect the entire load—if clear, the load may proceed. PDA will follow up, possibly requesting review of procedures.
Recordkeeping required for at least two years: Training, inspection logs, mitigation actions (e.g. washing vehicles, destroying SLF). Records must identify who performed inspections; documentation templates may be used and can be found and downloaded on this website.
Seasonal inspections: Required before moving within or out of the zone, and after workdays. Inspections may be suspended from December 1 to March 31, provided winter SLF life stages are eliminated (e.g., egg masses removed, adults dead) and documented.
4. Compliance Checklist for businesses. Homeowners and residents should use the "Checklist for businesses" to inspect items before moving them within or out of quarantine areas. Use the “Look Before You Leave” guidance to inspect vehicles, trailers, and outdoor items for SLF before traveling. Regulated Items & Quarantine Scope The Quarantine Order prohibits movement of any SLF life stage (egg masses, nymphs, adults) and regulates items that may harbor them—including: Landscaping or construction waste, firewood, tree parts, nursery stock, outdoor household items (e.g., lawn tractors, grills, furniture, tarps, mobile homes), packing materials, etc.
Quarantine zones are defined by PDA and may expand based on surveillance. An interactive map allows checking your area's status. Violations may lead to: Criminal penalties up to $300 per violation. Civil penalties up to $20,000 per violation.