Shipping and Packing

Please note—a person’s name and telephone number in the “ship to” address is required per the US DOT HazMat Regulations and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The Point of Contact can be acquired from test orders within the “Test Directory” section.

* The individual’s name is required on the first and/or top line of the address on Air waybills, e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL, World Courier, etc.

It is the sender’s responsibility to minimize risk of shipping infectious substances through proper packaging and compliance with regulations. All specimens and infectious substances submitted to CDC laboratories for diagnostic or investigational purposes must be packaged and shipped in compliance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and US DOT 49 CFR Parts 171-185.

Shipping Documents

• Infectious Substances and Diagnostic Specimens
• Security during Transport of Hazardous Materials [PDF – 20 pages]
• DMM regarding Shipment of Infectious Substances and Diagnostic Specimens

Shipping Specimens

• International Airline Transportation Association (IATA) [PDF – 5 pages] Transport companies that ship by air must comply with IATA rules.
• US Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Mailability of Etiologic Agents.
• U.S. Department of Transportation (HazMat Regulations) Rules of the road (and air) for the United States.

Select Agents

• CDC Select Agent Program Transferring human select agents.
• USDA Select Agent Program Transferring animal and plant select agents.

Imports

• Importation of Etiologic Agents of Human Disease For transporting human biologic agents into the United States.
• Importation of Etiologic Agents of Livestock, Poultry and Other Animal Diseases For transporting animal or plant biologic agents into the United States.

Exports

• DoC, BIS Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Information on what is an export, what can be shipped from the US and what shipments require an export license.

Imports and Exports

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regulations covered by the US Endangered Species Act and applications for permits to transport protected species within the US and internationally.