Posting samples abroad.

[Annie65115]

I've taken the plunge and gone in for a FTDNA test. Did my cheek swabs this morning and went to the post office. The (small) package has to go back to Texas (and I'm in the UK), so it needed a customs declaration form.

Now what was in it? We agreed that "body parts" may technically be correct but not a wise thing to put! We really struggled to find something appropriate to put on the form, something that wouldn't oblige customs to open the package either to check legality or to assuage curiosity!

What have other people put on the customs declaration?

[ScouseBoy]

Fluid sample   may be appropriate

[ScouseBoy]

The Post Office has an illustrated list of Prohibited items.

[youngtug]

Exempt human specimen might do, otherwise you may fall foul of this;

Biological substances
(Diagnostic specimens including blood and urine. Category B
(UN3373) as classified in the latest edition of the Technical
Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO))
UK destinations:
Yes
International destinations:
No
Follow these packaging guidelines:
May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified
medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary
surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or
institution. The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must
not exceed 50ml/50g. All biological substances must be posted
in packaging that complies with Packaging Instruction 650,
such as our Safebox product. The sender’s name and return
address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. 

[groom]

May only be sent by, or at the specific request of, a qualified
medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner, veterinary
surgeon, registered nurse or a recognised laboratory or
institution. The total sample volume/mass in any parcel must
not exceed 50ml/50g.

If you are returning a swab would it be covered by "recognised laboratory"? Surely as most of the DNA samples are dealt with in America they must know that they will get through customs without problems?

[youngtug]

I dont think un3373 covers these dna samples;
http://www.un3373.com/info/regulations/

[youngtug]

Non medical.

http://isogg.org/wiki/Shipping_DNA_kits

[hurworth]

We're not in the UK.   I've written "genealogy sample"  each time and had no problems. 

[groom]

How about this?

Customs forms
Most countries will require you to fill out a customs form. These forms are generally provided by the local post office. It is recommended that you write "genealogy sample" on the form. The content is genealogical material and not DNA until it is processed by the testing labs.

Sorry that crossed with hurworth.