Jump to section:

  1. How should I handle material transfer agreements?
  2. How should I ship materials?
  3. Are training and resources available?

1. How should I handle material transfer agreements?

Before supplying third parties with materials developed at the University of Iowa, contact the University of Iowa Research Foundation (UIRF) to arrange an outgoing Material Transfer Agreement. In some cases, a fee may be charged for these transactions depending on the nature of the materials and the purpose of the transfer.

2. How should I ship materials?

Packages containing dry ice or infectious substances that are shipped off campus are classified as dangerous goods and must comply with federal regulations. The shipper is responsible for following all applicable requirements. 

Environmental Health and Safety's Shipping Infectious Substances Program assists researchers in meeting all required regulations when shipping infectious substances.

Customs officials require permits for certain infectious shipments crossing state lines or international borders. The sender must obtain any required export permits, and the receiver (consignee) must obtain required import permits. The receiver may need an import permit for delivery, even if the sender did not need an export permit. All shipments entering the United States are processed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Check with the appropriate governmental agency before shipping or receiving materials, such as the USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the Bureau of Industry and Security within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

3. Are training and resources available?

Environmental Health and Safety offers the course “Shipping Infectious Substances With or Without Dry Ice,” which fulfills the training requirements for both air and ground shipping. 

Follow the instructions to access the course online. Registration depends on whether you have paid or unpaid role

The course “Shipping Infectious Substances – W009BO” is required initially and every two years thereafter, or whenever significant regulatory changes occur. A record of completion and certification is available in the Course Content section of the training site.

Additional training information is available on the Environmental Health and Safety's website.