Ready to submit samples for biobased content testing?

1. Decide on the turnaround time then submit a form.

Biobased Testing Services How fast do you need the results?


Standard Service – results are reported in 7 business days or less
Priority Service – 4 business days or less

lab recommendation Fill out the correct submission form


Use our “Biobased & USDA Samples” form.

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Let us know if your samples have volatile components or carbonates. Discussion must be pursued prior to analysis to ensure accurate results.

2. Prepare the required sample size and containers

Sample Size Requirements Sample Size Required


SOLIDS (MAXIMUM) – 0.1 to 1 oz (2.8 to 25 grams) for retail piece or applicable sub-sample
Plastic Pellets – 5 to 10 grams ONLY
Cutlery/Utensils – Send at least two items of each kind (e.g. 2 spoons)

Please contact the lab for discussion prior to submitting the following:
– Multi-component or multi-color samples (e.g. toys, toothbrush, diapers, sanitary pads)
– Materials NOT SUITABLE for garbage disposal

LIQUIDS – DO NOT send more than we require.
Chemicals, solvents, lubricants, oils, liquids with high petrochemical content – 1 mL (1 cc) per sample
Liquids with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – 10 mL (10 cc) per sample

US$500 per sample disposal fee will be charged for excess chemicals and liquids with high petrochemical content.

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Heterogeneity issues – For the analysis to be meaningful, the carbon analyzed must be representative of the whole product. The result itself only applies to the analyzed materials. Heterogeneous materials should be discussed with the laboratory prior to analysis to ensure the analyzed material is representative of the whole product.

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Beta Analytic doesn’t accept samples with artificial isotopes.


Required Containers

Required Containers

SOLIDS
Use Ziploc bags

LIQUIDS
1 mL glass micro-sample vial with a crimp top that has a Teflon-lined septum. The vial should only be ¼ – ½ full. See Beta’s infographic.

Please use plastic or glass vials as sample containers. Make sure the vials have snap caps or any tight closure that will prevent leakage. You can also use vials found at this site. Wrap the vials properly to prevent breakage during shipment.

Please make sure the vials have chemically non-reactive seals, e.g. made of a silicone disk with one or two teflon faces. If you use low-volume screw top vials like the amber one above, make sure they have a non-reactive cap liner made from silicone and teflon or some other chemically non-reactive material. Do not use vials that have caps lined with a piece of cardboard with an Aluminum-foil face on one side. The cardboard side is glued to the cap. These are not suitable for volatile liquids as the vapors can dissolve the glue and contaminate the sample during shipment.

NOTE: If the sample contains VOCs, the vial should be full (no head space).

3. Ship samples to Miami or a forwarding facility near you

lab recommendation

Beta’s complete address and list of forwarding facilities

When sending directly to Miami, please use this label for customs declaration:
“Carbon NCM Number 2803.00 – for scientific study – to be destroyed entirely during the analysis – no commercial value.”
Customs and carriage value: 1 USD
Harmonized Tariff Number (HS code) – 280300

Please make sure that the shipping company you choose takes full responsibility to clear the package with US customs when sending samples directly to the US. You are welcome to contact us for shipping advice.

Beta has forwarding offices in the UK, Europe, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. For shipping instructions to one of our international forwarding offices, contact us before sending your samples.

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Beta is not responsible for the clearance or transportation costs of international shipments not sent through one of our forwarding offices. Shipments arranged through a freight forwarder must be sent under DDP terms. The shipper is responsible for handling the administrative requirements to release the shipment.

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We will email you to confirm the safe arrival of your samples in Miami and to quote a delivery date for the results. Our quoted turnaround time starts following the day we receive your samples in Miami, excluding weekends. Samples received after the 3 PM EST cut-off time are logged on the next business day.


For reliable, accurate and fast biobased testing solutions, choose Beta Analytic.


You might also be interested in:

Beta’s FAQ – e.g. do you need to submit an SDS?
Biobased Test Standards based on Carbon-14
Ecolabels worldwide – e.g. Japan’s Eco Mark, Nordic Swan

Page last updated: February 2024