How to Access or Order Strains from BCCM (bccm.belspo.be)

BCCM is the Belgian Co-ordinated Collections of Micro-organisms, a consortium of four biological resource centres. To access or order strains, you go to the BCCM portal at bccm.belspo.be, choose the collection that holds the organism you need, search its catalogue, and submit an order or request through that collection. Most strains are shipped as living cultures; some material is subject to a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) or a fee. The exact steps depend on which of the four collections you use.

The four BCCM collections and what each holds

BCCM is not a single catalogue. It groups four separate collections, each with its own search interface and ordering process:

If you already know the organism group, go straight to the relevant collection. If you are unsure, start at the BCCM portal and follow the link to the collection that matches your target organism.

Step-by-step: finding and ordering a strain

1. Open the BCCM portal. Go to bccm.belspo.be and select the collection relevant to your organism.
2. Search the catalogue. Each collection provides its own search tool. You can typically search by strain number, species name, or keyword. The catalogue entry gives you the strain's identity, origin, and any growth or handling notes.
3. Check availability and conditions. The catalogue record indicates whether the strain is available and whether special conditions apply (for example, an MTA, biosafety level, or restricted distribution).
4. Submit your order or request. Ordering is handled by the individual collection, usually through an online form or a request email. You provide your institution, delivery address, and the strain numbers you want.
5. Complete any required paperwork. If the strain requires an MTA or an import permit, the collection will tell you before dispatch.
6. Receive the culture. Strains are normally shipped as lyophilised (freeze-dried) ampoules or as actively growing cultures, depending on the organism and the collection's practice.

Do you need an account or institutional affiliation?

Ordering is generally done in the name of a research institution, company, or similar organisation rather than as a private individual. You will normally be asked for your institution's details and a delivery address. Some collections may ask you to register or create an account on their ordering system; others accept a request form. Because the four collections run their own systems, the registration requirement can differ between them — check the specific collection's ordering page.

Delivery, fees, and legal conditions

• Fees: Many BCCM strains are distributed for a handling and shipping fee. The amount depends on the collection, the strain, and your location. Check the collection's price list or ordering page for current figures.
• MTA: Strains intended for research use are often supplied under a Material Transfer Agreement that sets out how the material may be used and shared. Read and sign it before dispatch.
• Import and biosafety rules: If you are ordering from outside Belgium, your country's import and quarantine rules apply. For pathogenic or higher-risk organisms, additional permits may be required.
• Delivery format: Freeze-dried ampoules are common for bacteria and fungi; microalgae and some fungi may arrive as live cultures. Follow the collection's revival and handling instructions on arrival.

Practical tips

• Have your strain numbers ready before you start — searching by number is faster than by name.
• Check the catalogue record for growth medium and incubation conditions so you can revive the culture correctly.
• If a strain is shown as unavailable or restricted, contact the collection directly; they can advise on alternatives or timelines.
• For a first order, allow extra time for MTA review and any import paperwork.

The BCCM portal is the entry point, but the actual catalogue, ordering form, and conditions live with each of the four collections. Identify your organism group first, then follow that collection's own ordering procedure.