Import Procedures:
UPDATE: Import/Export remains highly changeable across carriers – please be in touch with your carrier before every shipment to be sure your package won’t be returned to you. We apologize for this frustrating experience.
The tariff number for canine serum is 3002.12.009, which charges us 35%. It is important that you place the lowest value possible on your shipment.
As of late August 2025, several changes have been imposed on shipping into the US, especially coming from Canada. Please read these instructions carefully to be sure of relatively smooth border crossing for your package.
1. FedEx Ground is not accepting any biological items any longer. We suggest you send via FedEx Express.
2. An additional new import form is required, see more below
3. Please value your sample at $1 or less so that we can minimize tariff/duty fees
BE SURE TO COMPLETE ALL PAPERWORK ACCORDING TO THESE DIRECTIONS
A USDA import permit will not be required for feline or canine origin material that has not been inoculated with or exposed to any livestock or poultry disease agent.
HOWEVER, there is a new requirement to include a certification that the package contains no toxic chemicals. Please download and print the partially completed form linked below and add the shipment date and waybill/tracking number at the top. This form is in addition to the standard import paperwork discussed further below.
Click here to download “no toxic substance” declaration
In order to facilitate correct identification of the shipment and to ensure timely delivery, USDA, AHPIS, VS recommends that the following documentation accompany each shipment:
- A written statement identifying the material and naming the animal species,
- A written statement confirming that the material does not contain any other animal derived material (i.e., does not contain any livestock or poultry origin material).
- A written statement confirming that the material was not derived from feline or canine species which were inoculated with or exposed to any infectious agents of USDA agricultural concern.
This statement must be on a separate page, such as your letterhead (NOT only written on the commercial invoice). The statement must reference guideline #1102.
USDA, APHIS, VS recommends that this document be supplied on foreign producer/shipper letterhead, with the letterhead containing the physical address of the foreign producer/shipper. USDA, APHIS, VS further recommends that the document, written in a clear and concise manner, accompany each shipment, and be presented as a separate document for review by the DHS, CBP Officers at the U.S. port of arrival. We do not recommend that the foreign producer/shipper place this document inside the shipping containers. Attach the document to the outside of the shipment using a plastic resealable pouch or bag.
An example:
“In accordance with USDA Guideline #1102, this shipment contains CANINE SERUM for diagnostic testing and does not contain any material of livestock or poultry origin. I (name here) confirm that this material was derived from species that were not inoculated with or exposed to any infectious agents of USDA agricultural concern.” Add your signature, date, and include your complete physical address, phone number and email. Lastly, include the shipment tracking number.
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NOTE: UPS shipping services have frequently flagged and held shipments from Canada to our lab which result in charges to us in excess of our testing fees, and delayed sample delivery. We request that if you can use a different carrier than UPS, please do. UPDATE: brokerage fees at UPS of > $500 have been levied against us. DO NOT USE UPS – try FedEx Express instead.
(neverfiftyone)
