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I have just sent my sample back to Houston, from the UK.
I understand that international shipping will depend on the country, so I don't complain that shipping is not included for customers outside N. America. However several earlier posts here have noted that there is no reduction in the price of the kit to overseas customers to make up for that service not being included, and I agree with them that this is not fair.
A greater concern is that shipping the sample may not actually be permitted. Here's an extract from Royal Mail's list of permitted items (one column of four). You'll note that "Human samples" may not be sent internationally at all. Within the UK they can be sent to a recognised lab, but in some specified packaging, which probably doesn't include a vial within FTDNA's provided packaging: a plastic bag inside a jiffy bag. If you think I have chosen the wrong item, here's the full leaflet: https://www.royalmail.com/sites/defa...April%2019.pdf. What would be more appropriate category?
Now I know I am not the first British person to return a sample, so I guess they are getting through OK, notwithstanding the regulations. I put "genealogical material" on my customs form, because "human sample" seemed to be asking for trouble. I'll see what happens.
I have just sent my sample back to Houston, from the UK.
I understand that international shipping will depend on the country, so I don't complain that shipping is not included for customers outside N. America. However several earlier posts here have noted that there is no reduction in the price of the kit to overseas customers to make up for that service not being included, and I agree with them that this is not fair.
A greater concern is that shipping the sample may not actually be permitted. Here's an extract from Royal Mail's list of permitted items (one column of four). You'll note that "Human samples" may not be sent internationally at all. Within the UK they can be sent to a recognised lab, but in some specified packaging, which probably doesn't include a vial within FTDNA's provided packaging: a plastic bag inside a jiffy bag. If you think I have chosen the wrong item, here's the full leaflet: https://www.royalmail.com/sites/defa...April%2019.pdf. What would be more appropriate category?
Now I know I am not the first British person to return a sample, so I guess they are getting through OK, notwithstanding the regulations. I put "genealogical material" on my customs form, because "human sample" seemed to be asking for trouble. I'll see what happens.
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