Export Instructions for Soil Samples
Exporting soil samples for microbiome analysis requires strict adherence to international shipping regulations to ensure your samples clear customs and arrive at the lab with biological integrity. Improper documentation or packaging can lead to samples being held by customs, which risks degrading the DNA needed for accurate BeCrop results.
Exporting to the United States (USA Lab)
Download Instructions in PDF [English version | Spanish version]
Prepare Samples
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Collect Samples: Please refer to the sampling instructions.
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Provide Metadata: Fill out the metadata Excel sheet (the Excel sheet will be emailed to you). Minimum required fields:
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Sample reference (Any label/numbering system that you use internally to differentiate your samples)
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Date collected
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Crop type
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Coordinates (latitude and longitude, easy to obtain on Google Maps by dropping a pin on the block on satellite view)
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Print All Documents:
Packaging Instructions:
Once you have collected the samples and filled out the metadata sheet, assemble your samples for safe export as follows:
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Place each sample inside of the coded tube provided by Biome Makers. If you don't have a collection tube, please use a sealed bag
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Consolidate all individual samples in a larger waterproof sealed bag (mandatory)
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Failure to consolidate the samples will result in US Customs holding the shipment
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Add some cushion materials and an ice pack (optional but recommended)
Shipping Instructions:
Once the samples are safely packed, include the following documentations in the package as follows:
Affixed to the outside of the package
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PPQ Label (one unique label per package, visible)
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1st printed copy of Metadata excel sheet (in a pouch)
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1st printed copy of the USDA permit (in a pouch)
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Commercial Invoice
Inside the package:
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Samples in tubes or sealed bags
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2nd printed copy of Metadata excel sheet
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2nd printed copy of the USDA permit
Shipping Label Instructions:
- Clearly identify what is being shipped (ex. 10 Soil Samples for Analysis, Not for Resale)
- When prompted to add a Tariff/HTS Code use: 2703.00.0000
- When generating the Commercial Invoice, please label the samples as “No Commercial Value”
- Ensure all duties, taxes, and fees are delegated to the shipper and not the receiver
Shipping Address:
Biome Makers USA,
202 Cousteau Pl, Suite 100,
Davis, CA 95618. USA
Exporting to the European Union (Spain Lab)
Prepare Samples
-
Collect Samples: Please refer to the sampling instructions.
-
Provide Metadata: Fill out the metadata Excel sheet (the Excel sheet will be emailed to you). Minimum required fields:
-
Sample reference (Any label/numbering system that you use internally to differentiate your samples)
-
Date collected
-
Crop type
-
Coordinates (latitude and longitude, easy to obtain on Google Maps by dropping a pin on the block on satellite view)
-
-
Print All Documents (Reach out to your BMK rep for Import Authorization):
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Print Spanish Soil Import Authorization x 2
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Metadata Excel sheet x 2
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Commercial invoice provided by your courier
-
Packaging Instructions:
Once you have collected the samples and filled out the metadata sheet, assemble your samples for safe export as follows:
-
Place each sample inside of the coded tube provided by Biome Makers. If you don't have a collection tube, please use a sealed bag.
-
Consolidate all individual samples in a larger waterproof sealed bag (recommended)
-
Add some cushion materials and an ice pack (optional but recommended)
Shipping Instructions:
Once the samples are safely packed, include the following documentations in the package as follows:
Affixed to the outside of the package
-
1st printed copy of Soil Import Authorization (visible)
-
1st printed copy of Metadata excel sheet (in a pouch)
-
Commercial Invoice (provided by courier)
Inside the package:
-
Samples in tubes or sealed bags
-
2nd printed copy of Metadata excel sheet
-
2nd printed copy of the Import Authorization
Shipping Label Instructions:
- Clearly identify what is being shipped (ex. 10 Soil Samples for Analysis, Not for Resale)
- When prompted to add a Tariff/HTS Code use: 2703.00.00.00
- When generating the Commercial Invoice, please label the samples as “No Commercial Value”
- Ensure all duties, taxes, and fees are delegated to the shipper and not the receiver
Shipping Address:
Biome Makers Spain S.L.,
Calle Estadio 9, entreplanta C,
Valladolid 47006, Spain