Sending biological material to other institutions inside or outside of Canada requires a number of tasks to be completed.

A material transfer agreement can be obtained by contacting Bertha Monrose should such an agreement be required. This should be completed prior to sending any materials.

The sender should verify that the receiving institution has the laboratory and trained personnel suitable for handling the material. A compliance number if available, or a letter or email from the receiver attesting that the laboratory and personnel training are suitable for handling the material, is sufficient. This letter or email should be kept on file by the sender for future reference.

Depending on the nature of the material, a pathogen transfer may also be required if the receiver is in Canada.

The sender should recieve all import permits and other documentation required by the receiver's country in order to import the materials. These permits and documentation are attached to the outside of the package.

The sender should fill in a Customs Invoice and attach it to the outside of the package.

The sender requires a UN3373 sticker on the outside of the package, from the safety office.

The sender requires a Dry Ice sticker on the outside of the package, from the safety office.

The sender requires the waybill information on the outside of the package.

The PACKAGING should be carried out by a TDG trained individual. Packaging of the material has some requirements associated with it, found here. (Biological Substance, Category B)

McMaster Customs representatives are Jan Yeo or John Bentley.

McMaster Customs and Traffic website.