Shipping Excepted Quantities of Ethanol Preserved Specimens

Definitions:

  • Ethanol is a liquid solution containing more than 24% ethanol by volume
  • Excepted quantity is no more than 30 ml per inner container, with a maximum net quantity of 500 ml for the entire package.

Packaging:

  • Download and print without resizing on a color printer the "Excepted Quantities Label" pdf format, Adobe Acrobat Required
  • Completed excepted quantities label:
    • Provide signature, title, date and shipper's address
    • Mark Class 3
    • Applicable UN number is UN1170

Procedure:

  1. Place material in watertight primary container. All primary receptacles must have positive closures (such as screw-on or push-on lids) that must be taped, wired or other positive means. Examples would include glass/plastic jars, glass/plastic vials or plastic canisters. Liquids must not completely fill the inner package at 131 F (55 C) -- allow room for expansion. Plastic primary container must have a wall thickness of at least 0.2mm.
  2. Place primary container in a watertight secondary container. Examples of secondary packages include plastic canisters, sealed plastic bags, sealed Styrofoam containers at least 1" thick or screw cap cans. To prevent contact between multiple primary containers, individually wrap or separate them. NOTE: Secondary packaging must no react chemically with the dangerous good.
  3. Place absorbent material between primary and secondary container. Make sure multiple primary receptacles are individually wrapped to prevent contact. Use enough absorbent material to absorb the entire contents of all primary containers. Examples include cellulose wadding, cotton balls, super absorbent packets or paper towels. NOTE: Absorbent material must not reach chemically with the dangerous good.
  4. Place secondary container into sturdy outer packaging. Sturdy outer packaging must be capable of withstanding a 6 foot drop and must consist of corrugated fiberboard, wood, metal or rigid plastic. UNACCEPTABLE outer packing includes Styrofoam boxes, plastic bags, paper envelopes, FedEx envelopes, FedEx tubes, FedEx Pak or FedEx boxes. The total mass of the entire package cannot exceed 1 kg.
  5. On one side of the outer package, write legibly the following:

Updated April 10, 2007 by SAK