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Implementing emerging customer screening standards for nucleic acid synthesis
Sarah R Carter1, Lucas Boldrini2, Tessa Alexanian2
1Science Policy Consulting LLC, Arlington, VA, United States.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Ensuring responsible distribution of synthetic nucleic acids requires robust customer screening. Emerging guidelines focus on tiered screening, identity verification, and legitimate use verification for sequences of concern (SOCs).
Area of Science:
- Biosecurity
- Molecular Biology
- Risk Management
Background:
- The distribution of synthetic nucleic acids necessitates careful customer vetting to prevent misuse.
- International and national guidelines are converging on standardized screening practices for synthesis providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the emerging consensus on best practices for synthetic nucleic acid customer screening.
- To analyze the challenges in implementing these screening practices.
- To propose actionable projects for strengthening customer screening protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging international and national guidance on customer screening.
- Analysis of practical implementation challenges based on experience with standardized screening forms.
- Development of recommendations for future screening improvements.
Main Results:
- A consensus has emerged on five key screening practices: tiered screening for sequences of concern (SOCs), identity verification, legitimacy verification for SOC orders, legitimate use verification for SOCs, and supply chain screening.
- Persistent ambiguities exist in translating consensus into practical due diligence and decision-making tools.
- Five projects are recommended to enhance screening: establishing a baseline of scrutinizable customer attributes, clarifying ambiguities with case studies, promoting automated identity verification, utilizing existing approvals for legitimacy, and integrating sequence and customer screening.
Conclusions:
- Standardized customer screening is crucial for the responsible provision of synthetic nucleic acids.
- Addressing implementation ambiguities and investing in targeted projects will strengthen biosecurity measures in the synthetic nucleic acid supply chain.
