EXPP8120 - Guidance on other procedures: MOD - exports of biological samples

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Dangerous substances

Consignments of biological samples are occasionally exported by the MOD and as the substances concerned are sometimes of a dangerous nature it is important that the packages are opened only under the supervision of the MOD.

Port transportation officer

All cases or packages of these samples will bear the code marking (MR) and will be consigned by the Microbiological Research Establishment (MRE), Porton Down, Wilts. Consignments will be handled by the Port Transportation Officer of the MOD or by commercial forwarding agents appointed by the MOD. Customs entry will be made on RAF form 1380 and the forms will be endorsed ‘Biological samples exported under the arrangements of BO 42324/53. Only to be opened under MOD supervision’.

Cleared without internal examination

Packages selected for examination at ships’ side (eg under Export Licensing) may be cleared without internal examination if you are satisfied after checking the documents against the packages and making an external examination.

If you are not satisfied, the matter is to be brought to the notice of your manager, who if he considers it necessary, will immediately get in touch with the:

Microbiological Research Establishment (MRE)
PORTON DOWN
Wilts

who will make arrangements for the opening and examination of cases.