We ship kits to most international locations. Standard shipping is by DHL eCommerce International. There are some countries where shipping requires special processing. A full list can be found at the end of this article.
Due to the wide range of international postage costs, international shipments do not include return postage. International customers must pay for their own return shipping, including duties and taxes.
Standard International Shipping
For standard international shipping orders, FamilyTreeDNA uses DHL eCommerce. International orders can take several weeks to arrive depending on the delivery location. The combined shipping and handling charges for standard DHL shipping to most international locations are as follows:
- Single kit (first kit) – $9.95 USD
- Additional Kit – $4.95 USD (per additional kit) A kit is considered to be an “additional kit” when the kit is purchased in addition to the “first kit” in the same order.
Example: If you order three kits with standard international shipping, the shipping and handling cost is $19.85 ($9.95 + $4.95 + $4.95 = $19.85).
Please note that your kit will not be shipped until the shipping and handling fee has been paid.
Important: This is the cost for most international locations. Depending on your location, the cost might be higher.
Expedited International Shipping
Once you have placed your order, you may request that it be shipped to you by Federal Express.
International prices vary.
To upgrade shipping, fill out our contact form or Chat With Us. Make sure to have your kit number and a physical address ready for a shipping price quote. Your kit number is included in the email that we sent to you after you placed your order online.
Important: As the shipping and handling fee covers the costs of materials and labor, expedited shipping fees are in addition to the standard $9.95 shipping and handling fee.
International Shipping Times
International orders can take several weeks to arrive.
Important: Due to the high volume of orders during sales and holiday seasons, shipping times may be longer than normal.
Replacement Kits
If you believe that your returned DNA sample has been lost in the mail or otherwise destroyed, please contact our customer service department for inquiries about a replacement collection kit. Replacement kits do not incur additional shipping fees in most cases.
When a replacement kit is ordered, there is a chance that the original DNA collection kit sent to you was delayed rather than lost. In such cases, when you receive the replacement kit, it is crucial not to use it for any other individual. Submitting samples from different individuals under the same kit number can cause significant delays in testing.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a labeled collection kit for more than one individual. This includes any replacement kits received.
All duties and taxes for delivery of shipments from the U.S. for processing are the customer's responsibility. For more information on International shipping, including customs forms, declarations, import and VAT tax, please read our Customs Fees, VAT, and Import/Export Fees article.
For additional information that may be needed for your chosen courier, or customs declarations, please see the downloadable form attached below.
Countries with Import Restrictions
Some countries require special handling for shipments, only allow dry swabs, or do not allow shipments at all. Before placing an international order, you may wish to check this list for the destination country.
Countries Where We Cannot Ship
The following countries have restrictions that prevent us from shipping DNA kits to them:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cuba
- Haiti
- Libya
- Niue
- France
- Iran
- Kosovo
- Russia
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Yemen
Countries That Require Special Handling for Shipping
The following are countries that we know require special handling for shipping. Some of these countries have delays during shipping.
Note: This list is only for special handling for shipping purposes and is not related to import tax or Value-Added Tax (VAT).
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Iraq
- Mexico
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Turkey
Countries That Require Dry Swabs Only
The following countries require a "dry swab" collection kit that does not contain vials or lysis buffer.
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Iraq
- Mexico
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Turkey
Countries That Require Special Handling When Returning Kits
We are aware that in some (or all) cases the following countries will, at least part of the time, require special handling when customers return kits:
- Brazil
- Japan
- Mexico
- Saudi Arabia
For detailed information on customs requirements and declarations, please see the downloadable Dry Swabs Regulatory Letter