Transportation of non-hazardous biological agents

Summary of Key Requirements:

Materials not subject to provisions of carriage regulations

a non-pathogenic microorganism (for humans and / or animals)
blood and blood components for transfusion or transplant or tissues / organs for use in transplants
a sample with a low probability of infectious substances being present (non-human / animal derived material only)
a biological product manufactured and packaged in accordance with MHRA / Department of health requirements
decontaminated clinical or medical waste
a live animal intentionally infected or known to be infectious; or
a GMMO or GMO authorised for use by the competent authorities of the Government of the countries of origin, transit and destination

Biological materials which are not classified as dangerous goods for transport should still be packaged safely to ensure they do not leak in transit since this is likely to trigger safety/security alerts. The package must be appropriately labelled to avoid any ambiguity over the contents and should ideally show emergency contact details that can be used in the event of a query. This can be achieved by following the procedures given below.

Packaging

The total packaging should include:

leak proof primary receptacle(s);
a leak proof secondary packaging;
absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging (if several primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging then these should be individually wrapped so as to prevent contact between them); and
an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use.

Items should also be packed in accordance with the following:

for substances consigned at ambient or higher temperatures - primary receptacles should be of glass, metal or plastics. Positive means of ensuring a leak proof seal should be provided, e.g. a heat seal, a skirted stopper or metal crimp seal. If screw caps are used, they should be reinforced with adhesive tape. Flame-sealed glass ampoules or rubber-stoppered glass vials fitted with metal seals are suitable primary receptacles for lyophilized substances.
for substances consigned refrigerated or frozen - wet ice or dry ice should be placed around the secondary packaging(s). Interior supports should be provided to secure the secondary packaging(s) in position after the wet ice or dry ice has melted or dissipated. If ice is used, the outer packaging should be leak proof. If dry ice is used, the outer packaging must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. The primary receptacle and the secondary packaging need to be able to maintain their integrity at the temperature of the refrigerant used.
for substances consigned in liquid nitrogen - plastic primary receptacles capable of withstanding very low temperatures need to be used. The secondary packaging should also be capable of withstanding very low temperatures, and in most cases will need to be fitted over the primary receptacle individually. The requirements for the consignment of liquid nitrogen must also be fulfilled. The primary receptacle and the secondary packaging need to be able to maintain their integrity at the temperature of the liquid nitrogen. Only consign biological materials in liquid nitrogen if there is no suitable alternative means and do so only in a suitable dry shipper. Contact the University Biological Safety Adviser for further advice.

Note for goods to be transported by air: whatever the intended temperature of the consignment, the primary receptacle or the secondary packaging should be capable of withstanding without leakage an internal pressure producing a differential pressure of not less than 95kPa and temperatures in the range -40°C to +55°C (this means nothing will leak when it is pressurised on an aircraft). Many tubes etc commonly used in laboratories meet this requirement and suppliers can usually readily confirm the specification.

Labelling and paperwork

Packages should be clearly labelled with the delivery address and senders details. In order to facilitate any problems during transport being readily resolved, it is recommended that emergency contact details are shown on the outer package and certain paperwork be included within the package (see below).

Any unnecessary or incorrect labels must not be shown on the outside of the box - for example a box that is pre-printed for infectious substances should not be used, or if a box has been used before and shows labels that are not relevant to the particular consignment this also should not be used or the labels must be removed or obliterated.

Where a package containing non-hazardous biological materials (i.e. not dangerous goods) also contains dry ice contact Biology Stores for guidance.

Given the current climate regarding bioterrorism, the package should contain relevant paperwork to address any questions or doubt in the event of leakage or the package being opened at any point. Paperwork should be placed in between the secondary and the outer packaging. Ideally this should be on University headed paper and include details of who is sending the samples and where they are going to with names and telephone contact details in case anyone wants to telephone and check authenticity at any point. A statement should say in simple terms what the materials are, that they are non-hazardous and that they are not classified as dangerous goods under the transport regulations. In cases where the package will be going through customs, a statement should be added, where appropriate, that they are research materials of no commercial value.

Note for goods being shipped abroad: even if the goods are not classified as dangerous for transport there may be import restrictions on the materials depending on the destination. Before sending any biological materials abroad, the person sending the goods (the consignor/shipper) should contact the person to whom they are being sent (the consignee) to let them know shipping details and to check that the substance may be legally imported. The person receiving the materials is generally regarded as the importer and the one responsible for obtaining, where necessary, all appropriate permits or licences. Importation of materials into the United States is particularly tightly regulated and there are restrictions even on some items that may be transported as non-dangerous goods. In contrast, very few items require any sort of import permit, licence or notification to be made when importing into the UK - these are limited to certain animal pathogens or materials that may contain them, all hazard group 4 and a few hazard group 3 pathogens, and items covered by the anti-terrorism legislation. The University Biological Safety Adviser should be contacted for advice on a case-by-case basis to check whether the item they wish to bring into the UK needs an import licence or is subject to other permissions etc.