4 labels that contribute to a smooth Life Sciences shipment process

Transporting Life Sciences products by air demands a precise logistics approach that ensures shipments are stored, handled and transported properly throughout the journey. If not handled well, temperature excursions can occur throughout the transportation endangering product integrity. This is exactly where temperature-controlled labels come into play, ensuring shipments are handled properly throughout the journey. Below you can find four label types that are commonly used in the temperature-controlled logistics industry.

The Time & Temperature Sensitive Label

The IATA (International Air Transport Association) Time & Temperature sensitive label has become mandatory in the Life Sciences logistics industry since 2012. According to the “Cargo Services Conference Resolutions Manual 607, Section 1”, the label must be affixed to all shipments booked as “time and temperature-sensitive cargo”. The lower half of the label should not be left blank and must indicate the shipment’s transport temperature range. To add, the temperature range should be indicated in degrees Celsius (°C). To ensure a smooth delivery process, Royale International supports the entire IATA labelling process from sourcing to placement, ensuring the temperature range specified on the label is accurate. You can find examples of the “+15°C to +25°C”, “+2°C to +8°C” and “-25°C to -15°C” labels below.

Please click here to learn more about the time & temperature sensitive labels that IATA offers.

The Class 9 Label for Dry Ice Transport

To smoothen the logistics & customs clearance process for dry ice shipments, Royale will attach a Class 9 label to the packaging and list out all key information such as the UN number, the shipping name, the net weight of the dry ice in KG, and the shipper’s and consignee’s names and addresses. Below you can find an example showing how this information will be displayed on the packaging:

The UN number	1845
The proper shipping name	Dry Ice/ CO2 Solid
The net weight of the dry ice per package	4kg
Information of the shipper	Name & Address
Information of the receiver	Name & Address

Please click here to understand how Royale supports your dry ice shipment!

The Fragile/ Upright Position Label

Royale uses a variety of instruction labels to ensure the appropriate handling, transport and storage of Life Sciences shipments. A “Fragile” label signals couriers to handle your fragile items with care. Next to the “Fragile” label, a ‘Handle with care’ label is attached to the packaging, showing the need for special care and attention. Furthermore, the ‘UPWARD’ label indicates that the shipment must be positioned upwards at all times.

   

Do Not X-Ray Labels

For most Life Sciences shipments, Royale International places a “Do not X-ray” label to avoid the temperature-controlled products being scanned by the Customs Authority. As X-ray scanners will emit a beam of wavelength energy, Life Sciences products can be affected by radiation during the inspection process, which can compromise the quality and therapeutic effectiveness of the shipment.

How Royale assists with the labelling process?

To ensure a smooth delivery process, Royale International has developed a Life Sciences Division that specializes in the worldwide handling and transportation of on-time and sensitive temperature-controlled products. In terms of labelling, we ensure all Life Sciences labels are placed on the outermost packaging with the right information, so that the ground handlers know how to take care of your shipment at all times. More importantly, we can outline 3 distinct benefits of a correct labelling process:

•  Better identification: Clearly indicates the required temperature range and handling & operational processes for Life Sciences shipments during transportation.

•  Strengthens the supply chain: Strengthens the overall supply chain by increasing visibility and awareness.

•  A high level of accuracy: Provides uniform & clear information and reduces the risk of mishandling that may affect the quality of Life Sciences products.

Furthermore, we proceed with the paperwork for your Life Sciences shipment. Ranging from customs clearance to import/export permits and product verification reports, all documents that we process fulfil the requirements of the Customs Authority, International Air Transport Association (IATA), Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and Bone Marrow Worldwide Organisation (WMDA) regulations.

Moreover, Royale offers premium Life Sciences solutions with flexible flight routing. Despite flight cancellations in various countries, we are able to arrange transit flights with different airlines, assuring your shipments arrive at the right time and right place. Most importantly, our team incorporates professional and well-trained On-Board Couriers globally, ensuring temperature-controlled products are taken care of with personal care.

Please click here to learn more about our Life Sciences services!