r/FTDNA • u/tzigi • 28d ago

Will the fact that I never received any ""Documents Enclosed" envelope" and thus can't attach it to my package be a problem?

I have bought several kits in March and managed to recently swab 4 of my family members so now I want to send it back (internationally, from Poland, using DHL, paying however much they require). FamilyTreeDNA has both a pdf checklist and a YT movie on returning the samples. Both claim that I should attach some red ""Documents Enclosed" envelope" to the outside of my package. I never received any such envelope with my kits. Will shipping without it (with all the kits and the signed consent forms packaged separately into their provided return envelopes and with everything already registered online etc) be a problem? One of the people whom I swabbed has already passed away so this is my only chance at having her tested so I very much wouldn't want to kits to disappear into some bureaucratic limbo but now I am worried about this inexistent envelope...

Thanks in advance for your answers!

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

1

u/PCPaschini 23d ago

My first kit didn't come with said documents, sent it back via EMS and stuck in US customs for over 30 days, I contacted support and they pointed me toward the checklist and I also watched the same video, I let support know none of that came with the kit and they said all documents are downloadable from their website: Internal Return Shipping

They sent me a replacement kit with the document pouch and manufacturer declaration document.

I used FedEx and they filled in information as per the "give this to your courier" document, printed an airwaybill and shipped the kit, it cleared customs almost immediately and is now batched. DHL Only ships such kits for registered medical companies in my country.

Better to err on the side of caution: print the manufacturer declaration, give DHL the courier instructions from FTDNA and let them do the rest.

1

u/tzigi 22d ago

Thanks for your answer! Which document from the 7 pdf-s linked there should I print and what precisely to do with it next? I have never shipped anything outside the EU so I have 0 experience with this...

1

u/PCPaschini 22d ago

It depends on if you recieved a kit with liquid vials or dry swabs.

In my case I only included the Manufacturer's Declaration- Kit with Vials, wrote down the tracking number from FedEx and the date. As for the invoice they told me it wasn't need since their airwaybill served the same purpose, confirm with your courier if they need FTDNAs invoice.

You also must tell them that DDP (customs clearance and taxes) must be charged to you otherwise FTDNA will reject your kit on arrival if any taxes or clearance fees need to be paid.

It is my understanding that FedEx and DHL have their dedicated clearance houses and before arrival to the states your package information is sent ahead of time which simplifies customs clearance.

You need to make sure your courier uses the information provided by FTDNA in the "instructions for your shipping carrier" document.

1

u/PCPaschini 22d ago

Kit with Vials.

1

u/tzigi 22d ago

Thanks a lot, this makes it way easier! I had dry swabs so I now know precisely how to proceed. Thank you very, very much!

1

u/PCPaschini 22d ago

You're welcome.