FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started & Planning

1. How can I arrange international embryo, egg or sperm transport?

Arranging international transport of frozen embryos, eggs (oocytes) or sperm with BioCouriers is straightforward.

Simply contact us with the names and locations of your sending and receiving fertility clinics, along with the type of reproductive cells you wish to transport. We will prepare a personalised Price Quotation for your shipment.

If you decide to proceed, you will sign our Contract of Carriage and inform both clinics about the planned transport. Your dedicated BioCouriers coordinator will then communicate directly with the clinics to arrange the collection, delivery and transport logistics.

Once both clinics have completed their preparations and confirmed that they are ready, we will schedule your shipment. Your reproductive cells will be transported by a trained IVF courier using specialised equipment designed for safe cryogenic transport.

2. What documents and consents are required for IVF sample shipping?

The documents required for international embryo shipping, frozen egg transport or sperm shipping depend on the countries involved and the requirements of the sending and receiving fertility clinics.

Typically, patients need to sign consent forms authorising the release and transport of their reproductive cells. Some clinics may also require identification documents, medical records or other administrative paperwork.

You are responsible for completing the documents and consents required from you by the clinics. However, you do not need to organise the transport documentation yourself. Your BioCouriers coordinator will communicate directly with both clinics, clarify the transport requirements and assist you throughout the process.

Your coordinator will help you understand which documents or consents the clinics require from you and will guide you through the next steps. However, the responsibility for completing and submitting these documents remains with you.

The clinics are responsible for the laboratory documentation and any applicable permits or authorisations falling within their responsibilities. BioCouriers handles the documentation and regulatory requirements relating to the transport itself.

3. Do I need to contact both fertility clinics before booking?

Yes. Before arranging embryo, egg or sperm transport between fertility clinics, we recommend informing both the sending and receiving clinics about your plans.

The sending clinic must agree to release your frozen reproductive cells, and the receiving clinic must confirm that it can accept and store them. Both clinics may also require you to complete specific consent forms or other documentation.

You do not need to coordinate the transport logistics between the clinics yourself. Once you have decided to proceed with BioCouriers, your dedicated transport coordinator will contact both clinics directly to arrange the practical details.

We can schedule the shipment once both clinics have confirmed that all necessary preparations are complete and that they are ready for collection and delivery.

4. How long does it take to arrange embryo shipping between clinics?

International embryo shipping involves two main stages: preparation by the fertility clinics and the transport itself.

The preparation stage depends on how quickly both clinics complete the necessary documentation, obtain any required authorisations and confirm that the reproductive cells are ready to be released and accepted. This may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual circumstances.

Once both clinics have provided their final confirmation of readiness, BioCouriers normally arranges and completes the transport within 14–21 days.

The actual journey is usually much shorter, depending on the distance, flight connections and destination. Your coordinator will keep you informed about the expected collection and delivery schedule.

5. Can you arrange urgent embryo transport or delivery on a specific date?

Yes. BioCouriers can arrange urgent or time-sensitive transport of frozen embryos, eggs and sperm, subject to clinic readiness, courier availability and suitable travel connections.

Our standard timeframe is 14–21 days after both fertility clinics confirm that they are ready. However, if you need your reproductive cells delivered sooner, or on a specific date for an upcoming IVF treatment, please let us know as early as possible.

We will assess the available options and do our best to accommodate your preferred schedule.

Urgent IVF courier services or transport on a specifically requested date may involve an additional fee. Any such charge will always be communicated and agreed with you before the transport is arranged.

Transport Services & International Regulations

6. What types of reproductive cells and biological materials can BioCouriers transport?

BioCouriers specialises in the international cryogenic transport of human reproductive cells and tissues used in fertility treatment, including frozen embryos, eggs (oocytes) and sperm.

Our trained IVF couriers transport these samples in specialised cryogenic containers designed to maintain the extremely low temperatures required for safe transportation.

In addition to reproductive cells, we may also be able to arrange the transport of other biological materials, such as stem cells, cord blood or tissue samples. These shipments are assessed individually, as they may require different packaging, temperature conditions or regulatory arrangements.

If you are unsure whether we can transport your biological material, simply contact us with the details. We will be happy to assess the available options.

7. Can you ship frozen embryos, eggs or sperm internationally?

Yes. International embryo shipping, frozen egg transport and sperm shipping are our core services. BioCouriers arranges personal hand-carry transport of reproductive cells between fertility clinics worldwide.

Our experienced IVF couriers accompany shipments throughout their journey, using specialised cryogenic dry shippers designed to maintain the required temperatures without the need for an external power supply.

We organise transport across Europe as well as between continents, including routes connecting Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and other regions.

However, international transport must comply with the regulations of the countries involved. Both fertility clinics must be authorised and willing to release and receive the reproductive cells.

Our coordinators will help assess the practical transport options and communicate directly with the clinics to arrange the shipment.

8. Can donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryos be transported between countries?

Yes, international transport of donor eggs, donor sperm and embryos created using donated reproductive cells may be possible, but it is subject to specific legal and medical requirements.

Regulations governing donor reproductive cells differ significantly between countries. Some countries or fertility clinics may restrict the import or use of donor eggs, donor sperm or embryos created through egg or sperm donation.

Before arranging international donor egg shipping or the transport of donor embryos, it is essential that both the sending and receiving fertility clinics confirm that the shipment is legally permitted and that the receiving clinic can accept the material.

BioCouriers can organise the physical transport once the necessary approvals and documentation have been arranged. However, the clinics remain responsible for confirming that the reproductive cells meet the applicable medical and regulatory requirements.

9. Are there legal restrictions or import/export permits for international embryo shipping?

Yes. International embryo transport, egg shipping and sperm shipping may be subject to import and export restrictions, depending on the countries involved and the type of reproductive material.

Some countries require specific authorisations, licences or supporting documentation before reproductive cells can be released, exported or imported. Additional requirements may apply to donor material or shipments between countries with different regulatory systems.

The sending and receiving fertility clinics are responsible for ensuring that the necessary medical and regulatory approvals are in place. As the patient, you may need to provide consent forms or other documents requested by the clinics.

BioCouriers coordinates the transport logistics and prepares the documentation relating to the shipment itself. Our team can also assist by communicating with both clinics about the practical transport requirements.

We recommend checking the applicable requirements before making final travel or treatment arrangements.

10. Can you transport infectious or untested reproductive samples?

Yes, BioCouriers may be able to arrange the transport of infectious or untested reproductive cells, provided the necessary safety and regulatory requirements are met.

Such shipments require special consideration. The receiving fertility clinic must confirm that it is authorised and willing to accept the material, and appropriate transport conditions must be agreed in advance.

If your embryos, eggs or sperm have tested positive for an infectious disease, or if the required screening has not been completed, please inform us when requesting your Price Quotation.

Our team will assess the transport requirements with the clinics and confirm whether the shipment can be arranged.

Safety, Cryogenic Technology & Hand-Carry

11. What is an IVF courier, and how does hand-carry embryo transport work?

An IVF courier is a trained professional who personally transports reproductive cells, such as frozen embryos, eggs (oocytes) or sperm, between fertility clinics.

Unlike conventional shipping services, hand-carry transport means that your shipment travels under the personal care and responsibility of authorised couriers, rather than being handled through ordinary parcel or cargo distribution networks.

Your reproductive cells are collected directly from the sending clinic in a specialised cryogenic container. During air travel, the container is transported in the aircraft cabin, never as checked baggage.

Depending on the route and transport arrangements, more than one authorised BioCouriers courier may be involved in the journey. Any handovers are carefully coordinated. When necessary, the container may also be temporarily stored in a secure location under BioCouriers' control, such as one of our logistical hubs.

Throughout the transport, the shipment remains under BioCouriers' responsibility, with procedures designed to maintain its security, traceability and required cryogenic conditions.

Upon arrival, the shipment is delivered directly to the receiving fertility clinic, where the laboratory staff take responsibility for the samples.

12. How is BioCouriers different from regular shipping companies?

BioCouriers specialises in the international transport of reproductive cells, with procedures specifically designed for the requirements of fertility clinics and IVF patients.

Unlike conventional courier companies, we use personal hand-carry transport, meaning that your shipment remains in the care of trained couriers rather than passing through ordinary parcel distribution networks.

Our service includes specialised cryogenic dry shippers, continuous temperature monitoring, direct coordination with both fertility clinics and documented collection and delivery procedures.

We also follow strict procedures to prevent shipments from being exposed to airport X-ray screening.

BioCouriers holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management and ISO 21973:2020 certification for the transportation of cells for therapeutic use, reflecting our commitment to quality, safety and traceability.

13. How are frozen embryos and eggs kept at safe temperatures during transport?

Frozen embryos, eggs and sperm are transported in specialised cryogenic dry shippers, designed to maintain extremely low temperatures without requiring electricity.

Before each shipment, the container is prepared using liquid nitrogen, which is absorbed into a special material inside the container. Any excess free liquid nitrogen is removed before transport. 

This allows the dry shipper to maintain the required cryogenic conditions while remaining suitable for air travel.

For cryogenic shipments, BioCouriers maintains temperatures within the required range of −196°C to −150°C.

Prevention is a key part of our safety procedures. We regularly renew our fleet of cryogenic containers, validate their thermal performance and carefully check each container before use for signs of damage or reduced insulating performance.

Each container is equipped with a regularly calibrated temperature data logger that continuously records the temperature throughout the journey. Our couriers can also check the current temperature when needed. Documentation confirming the validation of our containers and calibration of our data loggers is available upon request.

If an unexpected temperature increase is detected, our courier contacts the coordination team to assess the situation and arrange appropriate corrective action where possible, including emergency liquid nitrogen replenishment at a suitable facility if necessary and available.

After delivery, the temperature record is provided as part of the final transport documentation.

14. How long can reproductive cells remain safely inside a cryogenic dry shipper?

BioCouriers uses two types of validated cryogenic dry shippers. Even the container with the shorter holding time can maintain the required cryogenic temperature for at least 8 days when properly prepared.

This provides a substantial safety margin, as most international shipments are completed much faster.

Our containers do not require electricity or an external cooling system during transport. Before each shipment, we carefully prepare and check the container to ensure it is suitable for the planned journey.

Throughout the transport, the temperature is continuously recorded, allowing us to verify the conditions maintained during the shipment.

15. How do IVF couriers pass through security checks without X-ray screening?

Security checks are an important consideration when transporting frozen embryos, eggs or sperm internationally, whether by air or across land borders.

BioCouriers never allows reproductive cell shipments to undergo X-ray screening or other ionising security screening procedures.

Our trained couriers follow established procedures for transporting biological materials through airport security checkpoints and international border crossings.

Instead of conventional X-ray screening, security personnel may use alternative inspection methods, such as checking the exterior of the container for traces of explosives or carrying out an appropriate visual inspection.

The exact procedure depends on the location and the responsible security authorities. Our couriers are trained to explain the nature of the shipment and cooperate with security personnel while protecting the biological material and maintaining the required transport conditions.

If an appropriate alternative security check cannot be arranged, our courier will not allow the shipment to undergo X-ray screening. We will instead assess the available options and arrange an alternative solution where possible, while keeping the shipment protected.

16. What happens if a flight is delayed, cancelled or another problem occurs?

International transport can occasionally be affected by flight delays, cancellations, severe weather or other unexpected circumstances.

BioCouriers plans each shipment carefully and monitors its progress throughout the journey. If a disruption occurs, our coordinators and couriers work together to find a suitable alternative while maintaining the required transport conditions.

Depending on the situation, this may involve changing flights, adjusting the route, arranging temporary secure storage or transferring the shipment to another authorised courier.

Our cryogenic containers are designed to maintain safe temperatures for considerably longer than a typical journey, providing an important safety margin in case of unexpected delays.

If a significant disruption affects your shipment, we will inform you and the fertility clinics and coordinate the necessary next steps.

17. How do you prevent embryos or other samples from being mixed up or misidentified?

The identification and traceability of reproductive cells are essential throughout the transport process.

Before collection, the sending fertility clinic is responsible for correctly identifying, preparing, packaging and labelling the biological material.

BioCouriers collects the prepared shipment in a sealed cryogenic container. The container is identified by a unique seal number, which is recorded in the collection documentation.

Our couriers do not open the sealed shipment to inspect or handle the reproductive cells themselves. This helps preserve the integrity of the shipment and ensures that responsibility for identifying and handling the biological material remains with the qualified laboratory staff.

At delivery, the receiving clinic checks the shipment and its seal number before accepting it.

The collection and delivery are documented through signed handover protocols, providing a clear record of the shipment's journey.

18. Will my embryos be transported in a dedicated container or together with other patients' samples?

As standard, BioCouriers provides a dedicated cryogenic container for each patient or couple. This means your embryos, eggs or sperm are transported separately from other patients' reproductive cells.

We consider this an important part of our approach to safety, traceability and individual care.

In exceptional circumstances, shared transport may be arranged at the specific request of a client, but only with the prior explicit written agreement of all parties involved, including the patients and fertility clinics. Such arrangements are permitted only when the samples are transported between the same sending and receiving clinics, all required infectious disease screening results are negative, and all applicable medical, safety and regulatory requirements are met.

BioCouriers does not routinely combine shipments from different patients. Unless such an arrangement has been specifically requested and agreed in advance, your reproductive cells will be transported in their own dedicated container.

Tracking, Delivery & Documentation

19. Can I track my embryo shipment during transport?

Yes. BioCouriers actively monitors the progress of your shipment throughout its journey.

All our company vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking systems, and our digital logistics tools allow our coordination team to monitor courier movements and obtain location updates during transport.

Your dedicated coordinator remains in direct contact with the courier and keeps you informed about important milestones, including collection and successful delivery. Both fertility clinics also receive the information they need to prepare for the courier's arrival.

If you would like to know where your shipment is, simply contact your coordinator, who can provide its latest available location and transport status.

Rather than relying solely on an automated tracking link, we combine GPS technology, digital shipment monitoring and personal coordination to maintain oversight of your reproductive cells throughout their journey.

20. Will I receive a temperature report and proof of delivery?

Yes. Every cryogenic shipment includes temperature monitoring and documented collection and delivery.

Our cryogenic containers are equipped with calibrated data loggers that continuously record the temperature throughout the transport.

Once your reproductive cells have been delivered, BioCouriers provides a final transport documentation package, including:

• Signed collection and delivery protocols
• Temperature records from the cryogenic container
• Photographic documentation of the shipment

These documents are sent electronically to you and both fertility clinics.

This provides a clear record of the transport process, including confirmation that the shipment was collected, transported and delivered under documented conditions.

21. Why does the temperature graph sometimes show a spike during collection or delivery?

You may occasionally notice a brief temperature increase on the graph provided after your embryo, egg or sperm transport.

This can happen when the temperature sensor is temporarily exposed to warmer surroundings during the handling of the container at the sending or receiving fertility clinic.

For example, laboratory staff may need to access the container to load or unload the reproductive cells, which can temporarily affect the temperature recorded by the sensor.

A brief increase in the recorded temperature does not necessarily mean that the biological material itself has warmed to that temperature.

Our team can review the temperature record and explain any unusual readings in the context of the collection and delivery procedures.

22. Who handles my embryos at the sending and receiving clinics?

Your reproductive cells are handled by qualified laboratory personnel at the fertility clinics, not by the BioCouriers courier.

The sending clinic is responsible for identifying, preparing, packaging and placing your embryos, eggs or sperm into the cryogenic transport container.

Our courier collects the prepared, sealed shipment and documents the handover with the sending clinic. The courier is responsible for maintaining the required transport conditions and delivering the shipment safely to the receiving clinic.

Upon delivery, the receiving clinic checks and accepts the shipment, then takes responsibility for unloading and storing the reproductive cells.

This clear division of responsibilities helps ensure that your biological material is handled by the appropriate professionals at every stage.

23. How does BioCouriers protect my personal and medical information?

We understand that information relating to your fertility treatment is highly sensitive and deserves careful protection.

BioCouriers handles personal data and any medical information necessary for arranging and carrying out your shipment confidentially and in accordance with applicable data protection regulations, including the GDPR where applicable.

Access to this information is limited to authorised personnel and relevant parties involved in arranging and completing the transport.

For more information about how we process and protect your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy. 

Pricing, Payment & Contractual Guarantee

23. How much does international embryo, egg or sperm shipping cost?

The cost of international embryo shipping, frozen egg transport or sperm shipping depends on several factors, including the distance between the fertility clinics, the countries involved and the transport arrangements required.

Every shipment is individually planned, so we prepare a personalised Price Quotation based on your specific requirements.

Simply provide us with the names and locations of the sending and receiving clinics, along with the type of reproductive cells you wish to transport. We will prepare a clear quotation outlining the total transport price and the services included.

Our quoted price is final, with no hidden fees, provided the agreed transport arrangements remain unchanged.

The price also includes our standard contractual guarantee of €5,000.

The agreed transport price remains valid for two months from the date the Contract of Carriage is signed by both parties. If the shipment cannot be arranged within this period, the price may need to be reviewed. Any revised price will be discussed with you before proceeding.

24. Does the number of embryos, eggs or sperm samples affect the shipping price?

No. The number of embryos, eggs or sperm samples does not normally affect the transport price.

Whether you are transporting a single embryo or multiple embryos, eggs or sperm samples, the price remains the same. Our transport costs are based on the courier's journey, specialised equipment and logistics, rather than the number of samples.

Our cryogenic containers have more than enough capacity for standard individual IVF shipments, so you do not need to worry about additional charges based on the number of samples.

You do not even need to know the exact number of samples when requesting your Price Quotation. Your BioCouriers coordinator will confirm these details directly with the sending fertility clinic.

25. When do I need to pay, and what payment methods are available?

One of the advantages of choosing BioCouriers is that you do not need to pay anything upfront when requesting a Price Quotation or signing the Contract of Carriage.

Your dedicated coordinator will first communicate with both fertility clinics, help arrange the transport preparations and confirm that everything is ready.

We only request payment when both clinics are ready and we are about to book the travel arrangements. This means you can complete the initial preparations without having to pay for a shipment that is not yet ready to proceed.

You can pay conveniently by bank transfer or credit/debit card.

Your coordinator will provide clear payment instructions when the time comes.

26. What happens if I need to change or cancel my embryo transport?

We understand that IVF treatment plans and clinic schedules can sometimes change.

If you need to modify or cancel your embryo, egg or sperm transport, please inform your BioCouriers coordinator as soon as possible.

If you cancel before any non-refundable transport costs have been incurred, you will not be charged cancellation fees.

If we have already incurred reasonable, documented costs that cannot be recovered, such as non-refundable flight tickets, these costs may be deducted from any amount you have already paid. The remaining balance will be refunded.

If a fertility clinic independently changes or cancels the agreed arrangements for reasons outside your control, you will not be responsible for the resulting additional costs.

Changes to the agreed route, dates or other transport arrangements may require an updated Price Quotation, which will be discussed with you before proceeding.

Further details are provided in our General Transport Conditions (GTC).

27. Are my embryos insured during transport, and what does your contractual guarantee cover?

At BioCouriers, the safety of your reproductive cells is our highest priority. With more than 7,200 successful cryogenic shipments worldwide and no recorded cases of shipment loss or damage, we have built our reputation on exceptionally reliable transport procedures..

Nevertheless, we understand that embryos, eggs and sperm can be irreplaceable, and that even the most unlikely scenarios deserve consideration.

That is why every BioCouriers shipment includes our €5,000 contractual guarantee at no additional cost.

This is not a conventional insurance policy, but a direct financial commitment from BioCouriers. In the extremely unlikely event of the proven total loss or destruction of an entire shipment for which BioCouriers is responsible, we will pay the agreed guarantee amount without requiring you to prove the financial value of your reproductive cells.

In such a case, we would also refund the transport price.

If only part of a shipment is lost or damaged, the contractual guarantee does not automatically apply. In such cases, BioCouriers' responsibility and any compensation are determined under the applicable legal provisions.

The contractual guarantee is separate from your rights under applicable law and does not automatically limit our legal liability. Full details are provided in our Contract of Carriage and General Transport Conditions (GTC).

28. Can I increase the contractual guarantee above €5,000?

Yes. If you would prefer a higher level of contractual guarantee for your embryo, egg or sperm transport, BioCouriers offers several options.

The standard guarantee of €5,000 is included in the transport price. You can choose a higher amount for an additional one-time fee:

The additional fee applies to the entire shipment, not to individual embryos, eggs or sperm samples.

Please inform your coordinator if you would like to increase the guarantee before signing the Contract of Carriage, so the selected amount can be included in your agreement.

The higher guarantee is subject to the same contractual conditions as the standard guarantee.

Why Choose BioCouriers?

29. Why should I trust BioCouriers with my embryos?

We understand that your embryos, eggs or sperm may represent years of hope, effort and investment. Choosing the right company for their transport is an important decision, and we believe your trust should be earned through experience, transparency and proven safety standards.

BioCouriers is a leading international specialist in reproductive cell transport. Since 2016, we have successfully completed more than 7,200 cryogenic shipments worldwide, with no recorded cases of shipment loss or damage.

Here is what makes BioCouriers a trusted choice for international embryo shipping:

• Proven experience: A long-standing track record of safe and reliable international cryogenic transport, with no recorded shipment losses or damage.
• Internationally certified quality: ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 21973:2020 certifications, reflecting our commitment to quality management and the safe transportation of cells.
• Personal hand-carry transport: Your reproductive cells travel in the care of trained couriers, never as ordinary cargo or checked baggage, and are never exposed to X-ray screening.
• Advanced cryogenic protection: Validated containers, continuous temperature monitoring and documented transport conditions.
• Shipment monitoring and transparency: GPS-supported monitoring, direct communication with our couriers and location updates available upon request.
• International network and multilingual support: Our network of couriers, logistical hubs and company-operated vehicles across Europe allows us to plan transports efficiently and respond flexibly to changing circumstances. Our multilingual coordination team also helps ensure smooth communication with fertility clinics in different countries.
• Dedicated personal care: An experienced coordinator manages your shipment from preparation to delivery, working directly with both fertility clinics and keeping you informed throughout the process.

We also believe that the experiences of other patients speak for themselves. You can read their feedback in our BioCouriers Reviews.

We know that we are transporting much more than biological material. We are carrying something that may be essential to your future family, and we treat that responsibility with the care and attention it deserves.

LET'S MAKE THE TRANSPORT HAPPEN!

For your enquiry, please use the form bellow and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.