Comprehensive DNA Sample Shipping Guide
For customers who are wondering how shipping works, where we ship, return steps, and costs.
Do you ship to my country?
SelfDecode ships worldwide, but some restrictions apply.
You can find a list of countries we do not ship to here: Do you ship to my country?
How much does shipping cost?
Our shipping rate are based on the destination country and number of kits in your order. The courier depends on the country you're in. We charge you the rate that the courier charges us.
While most kits are delivered within two weeks after dispatch, we cannot guarantee expedited shipping or specific delivery times.
You can find pricing here, but please note it is subject to change. The shipping cost calculated at checkout is accurate.
How do I ship my kit back to SelfDecode?
You can find instructions for returning your kit to SelfDecode here.
To summarize:
- US customers receive a prepaid USPS return label inside their kit and should use that to return their kit with the post office (not UPS).
- Most non-US customers can request a prepaid return label according to the instructions here.
- Please be aware that we are unable to provide return labels for certain countries at this time. For a complete list, click here.
If you are not sure how to return your kit, please email us (support@selfdecode.com) and we'll be glad to assist.
Can you ship my family's kits together since we're at the same address?
It depends. We can't always get these types of request to our distributor in time. The process is very automated for efficiency. If you want to save money and have your kits shipped together, please consider a Family Plan.
Are there any international shipping restrictions I should be aware of?
Some countries restrict or prohibit the export of used DNA swabs. Here’s what you need to know:
❌ Shipping Not Allowed
Unfortunately, due to government regulations, you are now allowed to ship DNA samples out of the following countries at all:
China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea, Afghanistan, and any other countries whose postal systems do not accept biologics, effectively barring export.
⚠️ Shipping Allowed Only With Special Permits or Authorizations
If you’re in one of these countries, you may need government or health authority approval to ship your kit:
Brazil, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Iraq, South Africa, Kenya, and other parts of Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana).
For India, please email support@selfdecode.com. We have a lab in India that can process your sample, but the order needs to be placed via email.
✅ Generally Allowed
Kits can be shipped from most other countries as long as the packaging and labeling follow safety guidelines. This includes:
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and many others.
If you're unsure about your country's rules, please check with your local courier or customs office, or contact us and we’ll help guide you!
Note: Rules can change. We recommend reviewing the most current guidance here: Genohub Global Post Advisory
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the weight of the DNA kit package?
A: The DNA kit and box weighs 92 grams.