The UK Ministry of Agrculture Fisheries and Food licence allow importation of biologiacal specimens to IAH-Pirbright by AIR FREIGHT, normally to London, Heathrow Airport. This must be followed by customs clearance and collection by authorised staff from IAH-Pirbright Laboratory.
In order to achive the safe and speedy passage of biological materials from overseas countries to the Pirbright Laboratory it is necessary to observe the following:
Before sending materials, the sender must contact the WRLR by facsimile or telephone notifying the intention to send samples and to check the samples required and the conditions for despatch. The parcel must only contain material which is to be processed at the Pirbright Laboratory, as none of the contents are allowed to be sent to other laboratories in the United Kingdom from the Pirbright Laboratory.
The material must be packed in a leak-proof container in such a way that the contents arrive in a satisfactory condition and that, should a container break in transit, none of its contents will leak and contaminate the outside layer of the package. To achive this the primary container must be placed in a strong secondary container and the space between the two containers hold sufficient absorbent material to completely absorb the fluid which is present in the primary container. The lids on both containers must make effective, leak-proof seals. Sealed freezer packs should be used for refrigeration. The ideal primary container is a glass "universal" bottle (25 to 30 ml capacity) with a metal screw cap fitted with a strong rubber washer; plastic disposable "universal" bottles are also suitable. Tape should be wound tightly around the cap to prevent leakage. The bottle should be wrapped in absorbent cotton wool or corrugated paper to protect both the sides and the ends of the bottle. The wrapped bottle should then be inserted into a secondary container, with further padding. The secondary container should be leak-proof, preferably with a screw-cap and rubber washer. The secondary container should then be packed in a solid outer covering to prevent distortion. Labels should be clear and comply with International Transport Regulations.
The external label must be clearly addressed and indicate that the packet contains Animal Pathological Material of no commercial value and that it is to be collected from the airport by the Addresse. Use appendix 6 for the external label.
All such materials MUST be sent by AIR FREIGHT. BEFORE despatch the sender MUST notify the WRLR Secretary at Pirbright (Fax. No. +44-1483-232621; Tel. No. +44-1483-232441/232446) of details of the Airway Bill Number, the flight number and the time and date of its arrival in the UK. The Secretary then arranges for OUR freight handlers at the airport to "clear" the parcel through customs and subsequently hand the parcel over to our driver - hence no commercial freight companies are involved other than the airline. Normally such parcels should be sent to London Heathrow (or London Gatwick if the airline concerned does not fly to Heathrow).
