Medical specimens / diagnostic samples

Can I take Medical specimens / diagnostic samples across a border? Yes in many places, with conditions. Of the (no rules indexed) country-rules we've indexed for Medical specimens / diagnostic samples, 0 are allowed (often with limits), 0 are restricted (permit, declaration, or quantity cap), and 0 are prohibited outright. Customs rules depend on the destination, the purpose (travelling, posting, importing personally, or importing commercially), and the quantity.

Class 6.2 infectious substances. Category B (most diagnostic specimens) ships under specific UN3373 packaging; Category A pathogens require highly restricted carriage. Diagnostic samples carried by a clinician for testing in another facility ship under IATA DGR Category B (UN 3373) packaging — a triple-package system with absorbent material and an outer rigid container marked with the UN 3373 diamond. Patient-carried samples (e.g., stool/blood collection kits for international testing) require the same packaging when shipped via courier. Postal carriage is permitted by some national posts under specific declared shipping classes; verify with the destination customs and biosecurity authority. Category A pathogens (UN 2814 / UN 2900) require specialised carrier accreditation and are not carried by most consumer-facing networks.

Common mistakes with Medical specimens / diagnostic samples

• Assuming the rules at the origin apply at the destination — they don't. The destination customs authority is the binding rule.
• Travelling and posting are treated differently: an item you can carry may be prohibited by post (and vice versa).
• Personal vs commercial intent: above a quantity threshold, customs may treat your shipment as commercial regardless of intent.
• Undervaluing on the customs declaration to avoid duty — treated as fraud in most jurisdictions.
• Vague item descriptions on CN22/CN23 — biggest single cause of postal customs holds.
• Carrying medication in unmarked containers, without the original prescription, or above 30-90 days' supply.
• Missing required certificates (phytosanitary, veterinary, CITES, prescription, product compliance).

Always verify against the destination's customs authority before acting. Not legal advice.

General notes