How should I mail my dog's returning sample? (Non-US Customers)

First, a reminder: activate your swab!

Please remember to create an Embark account on our site, make a dog profile and activate your dog's swab before completing this process. 

This will ensure that the lab is able to process the swab once it has been delivered. Not completing the above will cause your swab to remain unprocessed until the steps are completed.

Do not use the postage or label on the prepaid return mailer

Please do not use the prepaid label on the return mailer in your package to send back your shipment. 

This label is for the US Postal Service and will not work for your return.

Ship using your preferred commercial carrier

We recommend returning the swab to us using DHL, UPS, or FedEx. You are welcome to use another carrier if preferred.

Please address the package to our lab:

Illumina (ILS)

Embark Lab Sample Processing Center

Building 2 Dock 2

5200 Illumina Way

San Diego, CA 92122-4616

Please do not mail the package to our Boston, Massachusetts office, which will greatly delay the arrival and processing of your shipment. 

Pre-pay all shipping and customs

International customers are responsible for the cost of returning their swab. Please pre-pay any customs or duties when shipping your return. Without this, we may return the shipment back to sender. 

For Canadian and Australian customers: It is recommended to use the Zonos app to pre-pay customs.

(Canadian link, Australian link)

An additional note for Canadian customers: Your return bag may include CA postage, but this may not cover the full cost of returning your package. Embark is not able to cover additional shipping or customs fees beyond this postage. 

Forms and other information to pass your shipment through customs

What value should I declare?

The value that you declare on your shipment's U.S. Customs form should not total more than $15 USD. 

(This is the value of the swabs themselves, not the price of your order.)

This will make it easier to get your shipment through customs. 

What codes/numbers should I write?

If you need to provide an HS code, it is 3822.19.00.80.

If you need to provide a TAX / VAT number, it is 307 4194 14.

What forms may I need to pass my shipment through customs?

Please fill out our Customs Form for Expedited Processing (linked at bottom of page) to avoid any unnecessary delays at the U.S. border. The customs form will facilitate the correct identification of the shipment and ensure timely delivery. The USDA, APHIS, and VS recommend that it accompanies each shipment. 

Some shippers may require a Toxic Substance Control Act Form, which you can find attached and filled out at the bottom of this page. 

Some shippers may also require a Manufacturer's Declaration, which you can also find attached and filled out at the bottom of the page.

If UPS or FedEx ask for a Commercial Invoice, you will find these on their respective websites. (UPS, FedEx)

If UPS asks for a Power of Attorney form, we have this available below. Please note that this must be filled out by you as the sender. 

Tracking & Timelines

Your dog's swab should arrive at our lab within 15-20 business days, depending on the shipping address location.

Our team will not have the tracking information for the shipment, so please be sure to record the tracking number to keep tabs on the shipment. 

If it has been longer than 20 business days and your package has not arrived, please contact us. 

Once your dog's sample is scanned in at our lab, it will complete processing based on our timelines.