For our Canadian members

Sending your sample back.

We’re Canadian-founded, so we built this the way we’d want it explained to us. There’s really only one difference when your kit crosses the border: you mail the swab back yourself, with a quick customs form. Five minutes, three steps — here’s exactly how.

1. 1

   Pack your swab

   Put the swab in the paper coin envelope from your kit. Write your full name, date of birth, and sex on it.

   Keep it dry — leave the little desiccant (dry pack) inside, and fold the envelope closed. Do not seal or lick it shut.

   Slide that into the biohazard / leak-proof bag, then into a sturdy shipping envelope or small box.

   If your kit came with a consent or requisition form, complete it and include it in the package.

2. 2

   Fill in the customs form

   This is the part people overthink. If there are customs instructions in your kit from the lab, follow those first; where they differ from this page, theirs are the ones to use. If your kit has none, this is an accurate description of what you are sending:

   Describing the contents

   “Exempt human specimen: cheek (buccal) swab for genetic analysis. Non-hazardous; UN3373 not required.”

   • Declared value: No commercial value. If the form will not accept zero, enter the smallest amount it allows.
   • Shipment type: Non-commercial sample
   • Also mark: “For genetic analysis only. No commercial value.”
3. 3

   Ship it with tracking

   Use a tracked service to the U.S. — Canada Post's Tracked Packet (USA) is the simplest and runs around CA$25. (FedEx or UPS also work if you prefer.)

   No refrigeration needed — your sample is stable at room temperature.

   International kits don't include a prepaid mailer — customs rules don't allow one across the border — so this return postage is the one small cost on your end.

   Once it's shipped, just reply to any Trait email with your tracking number and we'll take it from there.

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