This question was asked in our recent customer survey.

NIBSC routinely attaches a despatch note, commercial (shipping) invoice, and any permits to the outside of the package in a clear plastic adhesive envelope. These are used by the shipping agent and customs to progress the shipment. On rare occasions some or all of the documents do not get replaced correctly, which causes delays.

It is not possible to put a second set of documents on the outside of the package as these too would have to be inspected by the shipper and customs.

Until recently we did not attach these documents to the outside of packages sent by post. In response to customer comments we now do so.