LCS Laboratory, a Canadian health and safety laboratory based in London, Ontario, is here to support you with safe and compliant sample shipping instructions. If you’re shipping samples from the USA, Europe, or Asia, please follow the instructions below to ensure a smooth delivery process.
For shipments within Canada please visit the domestic shipping instructions page. If you wish to bring samples in person, this page will help to find our laboratory building.
Step 1: Prepare Your Samples
- Package Securely: Place each sample in an individual, sealable Ziplock bag, and label it clearly with a permanent marker.
- Bundle Samples Together: Enclose all labelled samples in a larger, sealable bag.
- Complete the Request Form: Download and fill out the LCS Laboratory request form, and include it with your shipment.
Step 2: Shipping Methods
We accept international shipments via USPS, FedEx, and DHL. Please note that we do not accept UPS deliveries due to high recipient clearance fees.
Step 3: Packing Guidelines
- Use Proper Packaging: Choose a padded envelope or a sturdy box for safe transit.
- Avoid Paper Envelopes: Plain paper envelopes are unsuitable as they often tear, risking sample loss during transit.
Step 4: Compliance and Safety
- Local Shipping Laws: Check local laws to ensure that sending of your materials is permitted from your location. For instance, some U.S. states restrict shipping of vermiculite.
- Prohibited Items: Do not send flammable liquids, corrosive substances, or other Dangerous Goods without prior approval. Contact us if you have any questions about restricted materials.
- Biological Materials: It is illegal to ship soil, living organisms, microorganisms (mould), food, and biological materials across the border.
Step 5: Customs Declaration
- Correct Description: For “description of goods,” we suggest terms like “construction material for laboratory testing” or “filters for testing”
- Value Declaration: Samples should be declared with a value of $1.00 as they hold no commercial value.
- Taxes and Duties: If using a courier account, select “taxes and duties are paid by sender” to prevent delays. We cannot accept samples with unpaid duties.
For any additional questions or clarification, please contact us via email. Thank you for choosing LCS Laboratory—we look forward to serving your health and safety testing needs.
