International Shipping Guidance
International Shipping Instructions (Originating Outside the USA)
We recommend shipping by FedEx: [Link]
Note: All samples must be placed in the barcoded tubes or plates provided by the
JGI. Please consult the document, “Shipping Checklist,” included with the
tube/plate shipment from the JGI for additional details.
The following are also “full service” carriers. There are many advantages to using a full service
carrier. They provide services such as in-transit temperature monitoring, comprehensive guidance
with country-specific import requirements, refrigerated trucking services and expedited customs
brokerage.
• World Courier [Link]
• Aeronet [Link]
• Quick [Link]
• Kintetsu World Express [Link]
• TNL International [Link]
If shipping from Australia, Greece, or France we strongly suggest using a full service agency (such
as Aeronet) to ensure samples arrives intact.
Shipments are primarily delayed because of incomplete or improperly completed paperwork.
Review the forms line-by-line with the shipper.
*A commercial invoice must be included with the package. With any shipper, please choose “door-
to-door service.”
Be aware that there are several obstacles to importing biological materials into the USA:
1) USDA Import Permit Requirements ([Link]
The USDA inspector may consider DNA as “extracts of microorganisms” or “microbially produced
biochemical.” A USDA import permit will not be required for microbially-produced biochemicals if
the following is provided in the shipping documents:
• A detailed and accurate description of the material including genetic insert and origin.
• A declaration, if applicable, indicating that the material is produced by microbial
fermentation.
• A declaration stating the material does not contain any animal or cell culture derived
products or additives such as albumin or serum.
• State that the product is non-hazardous, non-toxic and non-pathogenic, if applicable.
• Describe the end use.
• This information must be supplied as ORIGINAL statements on producer/shipper
letterhead in a clear and concise manner, and be available for review by the USDA
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2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
[Link]
Inspector at the Port of Arrival. We recommend that a separate memo or letter be
included with the shipping documents, such as U.S. Customs declaration and
invoice.
Example: “The material contains small pieces of genomic DNA. The DNA is
from Glycine max. It’s origin is a soybean. The material was not generated by
microbial fermentation. The product does not contain animal or cell derived
materials or additives. The material is non-toxic, non-hazardous and nonpathogenic.
The end use is for the creation of DNA samples used by the Joint Genome Institute.
This package is temperature sensitive and needs to be handled in a timely manner.
(list your contact information here)”
• Do not put documents INSIDE shipping containers.
2) Harmonized Tariff ([Link] and
[Link] )
Note the Harmonized Tariff Schedule Number 3002.10.01.90 on the shipping documents.
The HTS is a US Customs classification used to calculate a tariff charge. For this material,
the tariff is free. This HTS number classifies the material as “Human blood; animal blood
prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; anti-sera and other blood
fractions and modified immunological products, whether or not obtained by means of
biotechnological processes; vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding
yeasts) and similar products: Other”. (Note the “similar products: Other” section of this
description.)
3) Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Certification
Investigators must complete the certification form required under the TSCA. This form is
posted on the JGI website and can also be accessed directly here:
[Link]
Generally, DNA and RNA shipments are only subject to “Negative Certification, “ meaning
that they are exempt from TSCA.
Include the form with your shipper (FedEx) documentation.
3) General Considerations
• Do place statements like:
***NON-INFECTIOUS/NON-HAZARDOUS/NOT AN ETILOGIC AGENT/NOT FOR
HUMAN CONSUMPTION. SHIPMENT CONSISTS OF STERILE DNA. FOR
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS ONLY*** in the shipping documentation to facilitate
transit through U.S. Customs.
• Make sure the shipping box looks clean. A new outer box without an excess of tape is
best. Otherwise, remove or black out preexisting labels on the shipping box.
Conflicting signage on the box is strongly discouraged.
• To date, we have had good luck with Overnight FedEx, which usually takes
about two days to arrive to California.
• Avoid shipping around a U.S. Federal holiday. Ship on a Monday or Tuesday,
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2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
[Link]
overnight delivery. Please note the only locations that have overnight delivery
are Canadian cities close to the US border. Most countries in the European
Union will take 2 to 3 working days. Shipments from other countries can take 4 to 5
days for delivery (If it will take 4 or 5 days, please ship only on a Monday or a
Friday). Please package samples with dry ice or ice packs accordingly.
Three addresses will need to be visible on the package:
1. Your full name and contact information as the exporter!!
(*phone number & email address are required*)
2. Consignee’s Name and Shipping Address:
Univ. of California/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
DOE – Joint Genome Institute
c/o Sample Management
Proposal ID #__________
2800 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 296-5730
3. Intermediate Consignee Address:
AeroNet Worldwide
850 Mitten Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
Contact: ask for Mary Ellen or ask for someone in ‘The Import Department’
Tel: 650-259-2155
Last Updated 5/8/2013
2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
[Link]