| A. |
Samples |
| |
1. |
Follow
sampling instructions (Taking
a good sample) to obtain a representative sample. Submit
300 - 500 grams. |
| |
2. |
It
is recommended that pasture, silage and freshly harvested forages
be dried prior to shipping. This will help prevent spoilage
if the samples are delayed in transit. Follow the microwave
drying instructions (Determining
dry matter with a microwave) for drying your samples. |
| |
3. |
If
it is not feasible to dry the samples, freeze them prior to
shipping. Pack the samples on ice and select a delivery option
to expedite shipping. |
| |
4. |
Samples
should be securely packed in plastic bags or other sealable
containers to prevent spillage and spoilage. |
| |
5. |
Clearly
label all sample bags to correspond with the description of
the sample on the Itemized Shipment List (List A.) and the Sample
Information Sheets. Descriptions must be consistent to avoid
delays when passing through US Customs. |
| |
|
|
| B. |
Documentation
All shipments must include the following documentation. All
sample descriptions and listings must be in English. |
| |
1. |
USDA
Permit –
apply for a copy of the permit by selecting the following link
(USDA Permit Request).
Once obtained, the permit may be photocopied as often as required. |
| |
2. |
Itemized
Shipment List (List A.) –
provide an itemized listing of all samples in the shipment.
The sample descriptions on this list must match the descriptions
on the sample bags. (Itemized
Shipment List, List A.) |
| |
3. |
Mixed
Feed List (List B.) –
a listing of the individual ingredients in a mixed or blended
feed (e.g., total mixed rations, grain mixtures). A copy of
List B. must be included for each mixed feed in the shipment.
List B. is only required when submitting mixtures. (Mixed
Feed List, List B.) |
| |
4. |
Sample
Information Sheets –
used by the laboratory to identify the sample and the analyses
to be performed. All samples must be accompanied by a single
or multiple sample information sheet. (Single
and Multiple
Information sheets). |
| |
|
|
| C.
|
Shipping |
|
1. |
All
samples must be in tightly sealed containers. Securely sealed
plastic bags are used most commonly. If the sample is extremely
wet or liquid, double bag or seal the container with heavy-duty
tape to prevent leakage. Packages that leak will be rejected
and destroyed by US customs. |
|
2. |
All
sample bags must be clearly labeled and identified. The identification
on the bag must be the same as on List A. |
|
3. |
Securely
pack the samples to minimize shifting during transit. Be sure
to freeze and pack the samples on ice if required. |
| |
4. |
Place
the Sample Information Sheets inside the box and seal. |
| |
5. |
Place
the USDA Permit, List A., and List B. in an envelope marked
US Customs Documents. Securely tape the envelope to the
outside of the box. Click here to see graphical shipping
instructions. |
