Importing our products
This page details some useful information on the import requirements for customers outside of the United Kingdom purchasing Culture Collections products.
Customers purchasing UKHSA products are strongly advised to check all regulatory requirements within their country prior to purchasing.
Before shipment
Before arranging the shipment of biological samples from the United Kingdom, the customer is responsible for ensuring that all necessary import permits, licences, and customs documentation is in place as required by the destination country.
How to Determine what Import Requirements apply
1. Contact Your National Customs Authority
Your country's customs authority is usually the best starting point for determining:
- Whether the biological sample can be imported.
- Whether there are any customs declarations required.
- Applicable duties, taxes or exemptions.
- Documentation required for customs clearance.
2. Contact the Relevant Government Regulatory Authority
Many biological materials are regulated by government agencies responsible for:
- Human health
- Animal health
- Agriculture
- Biosecurity
- Environment and wildlife protection
3. Support the Customs Clearance Process Through the Courier's Local Team
International courier companies may provide guidance on customs clearance requirements. However, the importer remains responsible for obtaining any permits or authorisations required by their country.
CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Customers wishing to order ECACC cell lines which are subject to CITES regulations should check with their local Customs Office and their country’s own CITES Management Authority whether they will need to apply for a CITES Import Permit.
For the export of cell lines from the United Kingdom that are subject to CITES regulations, the Culture Collections also require a CITES Re-Export Certificate issued by the UK's CITES Management Authority.
More information and details on each country’s CITES Management Authority can be found on the official CITES website Front | CITES and in its National CITES Authorities | CITES section.
Importing our restricted products
For more information on importing our restricted products please refer to the following pages:
Additional Export Documentation
For information about additional export documentation available from Culture Collections, please refer to our delivery charges page.
Please note
Import requirements vary by country and by sample type. It is the importer's responsibility to obtain all permits, licences and approvals required by local customs and regulatory authorities prior to shipment. Culture Collections cannot guarantee customs clearance where the required documentation has not been obtained. Customers are responsible for confirming all import requirements prior to shipment, as failure to do so may result in delays during customs clearance.