The shipment of biological samples preserved in formalin is Not regulated by the Department of Transportation when offered for shipment.  Only solutions which contain greater than 25% formaldehyde are regulated by DOT when offered for shipment.  Ten percent non-buffered formalin contains 10% formaldehyde, while ten percent buffered formalin contains ~3.9% formaldehyde.   However, best management practices dictate that shipments be offered using the following guidelines.

• Shipments should be packed in strong, tight, secure containers (e.g., Coleman coolers),

• If inner containers are glass then sufficient cushioning material should be included to prevent breakage,

• Shipments should contain sufficient quantity of absorbent material (e.g., pads, kitty litter) to absorb the contents of the shipment,

• "This End Up" shipping labels should be placed on opposing sides of the container indicating the proper package orientation,

• Identify the shipment as "Biological Samples, Preserved" or "Biological Samples Preserved in Formalin Containing < 10% Formaldehyde" or similar.