Updated 12/25

Amy Robison, amanda.robison@montana.edu (406) 994-6733

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This checklist has been designed to help researchers comply with shipping laws for biological shipments to and from the MSU campus. Following these laws protects people and the environment through transport. Consequences for not following these laws include shipment detention (and sample loss), and severe criminal and civil fines. Shipping laws are very clear that it is the shipper’s responsibility to package materials correctly and obtain the necessary government approvals. Plan ahead! Government permits or special packaging may take weeks or months to obtain. Export licenses may take 6 months. 

1. Provide a brief description of the shipment (material; to/from name, state, country) 

 

2. Are you receiving materials from off campus? If yes, skip 3-5.

a. Do you need an import or transport permit? See Research Integrity & Compliance’s “Shipping Biological Materials – Quick Reference Guide”.

b. Is the sender asking for a Material Transfer Agreement? If yes, contact the Technology Transfer Office at tto@montana.edu   

Yes

Yes

 

Yes

No

No

 

No

3. Are you shipping materials off campus?

a. Out of the country? 

  • Is the material export controlled (i.e., needs export license)? To find out:

1) Visit montana.edu/research/export-control/overview.html, and

2) Review the MSU Export Control Policy and the MSU Export Compliance Program Manual, and

3) Provide recipient’s name/institution/address to the MSU Export Control Officer (Quinton King, quinton.king@montana.edu, 406-994-7795) to perform a Restricted Party Screen.

b. Out of the state or county?

c. Has the material been disclosed to the Technology Transfer Office (TTO)? If not, contact the TTO office at tto@montana.edu  

Yes

Yes

Yes    

 

 

 

Yes  

 

Yes 

Yes

    Yes

No

No

No

 

 

 

  No

 

No

No

  No

4. Does your shipment contain a regulated “hazardous material”?

If yes, complete shipping training or seek another person who has completed shipping training.

  • Biological materials – pathogens; some recombinant microorganisms/organisms
  • Chemicals – dry ice; corrosive, flammable, reactive or toxic chemicals; gases; etc.
  • Radioactive materials 
 Yes No

5. Have you prepared to ship your material?

a. Have you identified the ‘proper shipping name’ for all regulated materials?

b. Is your shipping training current?

c. Have you coordinated with your shipping company (material, time, cost)?

d. Do you have the right packaging and labels? 

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

N/A

N/A
6. Completed by: ______________________________________                            Date shipped: _____________________ 
7. Keep all records for this shipment until (exports: 5 years, other: 2 years): _____________________________