Shipping of Hazardous Materials

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)Federal rules require that anyone wishing to ship biological material, hazardous material, and/or dry ice must first receive shipping training. Hazardous material is defined as any material or substance that poses a risk to the health and safety of the public, property or the environment during transportation. Examples of commonly shipped material that may be regulated are: alcohols, such as ethanol solutions, formaldehyde solutions, xylene, chemical mixtures, newly synthesized compounds, solvents, lubricants, and corrosives (acids or bases which are corrosive to the skin). Regulations may also apply to some commercial products such as paints, batteries, cleaning products, etc.

DOT specifically defines the hazardous substance as any material that is listed in the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Table which can be accessed at: CFR 49 Hazardous Materials

If you anticipate a need to ship any of these types of materials you must first submit an Intent to Ship Biological or Hazardous Material Form. To begin this process, click on the Intent to Ship link below. EH&S will contact you within one business day.

If you experience any difficulty with the form, please contact Lab Safety personnel at (248) 370-4196.

Intent to Ship Hazardous Materials

Please submit your Intent to Ship form two business days prior to shipping.

Intent to Ship Hazardous Material form

Shipping References

Several agencies regulate the shipping of biological and hazardous materials. Regulations which apply to the packaging and shipment of such materials are as follows:

Importing or Exporting Animals, Insects or Plants