Shipping Biological, Infectious & Hazardous Materials
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Shipping Hazardous Materials Requirements
Federal and international laws require that anyone who transports, offers advice for transport, or prepares hazardous materials for transport must be trained.
Faculty, staff and students involved in shipping hazardous materials must be trained or work with someone who has completed hazardous materials shipping training. Generally, training is required every two years.
Shipping Instructions
Shipping Biological & Infectious Substances (including Dry Ice) by Air
Complete the mandatory DOT/IATA Training class in SciShield for Shipping Infectious & Biological Substances (including Dry Ice) by Air.
This training is required for air shipments of: Infectious Substances, Category A; Biological Substances, Category B; Exempt Human and Animal Specimens; Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs); Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMOs); and Dry Ice.
Training is required if you perform any of the following activities related to transportation of the above materials by air:
- Classify the materials being shipped (are they hazardous or not?).
- Prepare/assemble the package (lab personnel, clinicians, nurses, research coordinators, etc.).
- Mark and/or label the package (anyone who applies labels or puts any markings on the outside of the package).
- Prepare shipping paperwork (Administrative assistants, UBMs, etc.).
- Receives packages of any of the above materials (any UofL employee signing for package and/or opening packages).
- Click Shipping Infectious & Biological Substances (including Dry Ice) by Air to launch training course.
- Retraining is required every 3 years.
Shipment Request Form for Biological Samples
This form is to be completed by the Pl or research individual prior to preparing a shipment of biological materials. A complete form is necessary for the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) to assist in the preparation of the shipment. Note: Individuals shipping these materials require specific training. See - Transportation of 6.2 Materials by Air Training.
DEHS Shipping Request Form for Biological Samples
Flowchart for Shipping Biological Materials [PDF]
Additional Resources
Ship Within the Continental United States
Some biological materials require permits to receive or ship biological agents. The list below provides links to federal and international organizations that regulate the movement of biological agents.
Import from Another Country
Some biological materials require an Import permit for import into the United States. The person on campus receiving the materials is responsible for obtaining the permit.
- CDC: Human Pathogens
- USA/APHIS: Animals, Animal Products, Animal Pathogen, Plant Pests, Soil, Genetically Engineered Plants or Plant Pests
- USFW/CITES: Endangered Species / Products
Export from the United States to another country or to a state outside the continental United States
Always check with the person you are shipping materials to, as some countries require import permits for biological materials.
Export Permits
- USDA/APHIS: Animals, Animal Products, Animal Pathogen, Plant Pests, Soil, Genetically Engineered Plants or Plant Pests
- USFW/CITES: Endangered Species / Products
Export Licenses
The Department of Commerce may require an export license for:
- A material, or
- The receiver of your material
Hazardous chemicals include, but are not limited to:
- Explosives
- Flammables
- Gases
- Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides
- Toxic Substances
- Corrosives
- Dry Ice
Contact DEH 502-852-6670 for further assistance.