How sperms eggs are shipped internationally

Every year, thousands of sperm and egg (oocyte) samples travel across borders for fertility treatments, surrogacy, and preservation. Unlike standard shipments, transporting these biological materials requires extreme precision, specialized equipment, and strict adherence to regulations. Every year, thousands of sperm and egg (oocyte) samples travel across borders for fertility treatments, surrogacy, and preservation. Unlike standard […]

We are going to discuss the step by step process from shipment to post delivery, so you get a better idea on how it’s done safely.

Step by Step process for shipping sperms, human eggs internationally

Preparing for Shipment: The Critical First Steps

Cryopreservation: Freezing for Long-Term Storage

Sperm and eggs cannot survive for long at room temperature, so they are cryopreserved using liquid nitrogen. It maintains an extremely low temperature of -196°C. This process halts cellular activity so the genetic material is preserved for future use.

On the other hand, eggs are more delicate than sperm because they have more water content. It makes them more susceptible to ice crystal formation. This is why a specialized technique called vitrification is used for freezing eggs rapidly and preventing damage.

Secure Storage Before Transport

Once frozen, the samples are stored in cryotanks at fertility clinics or sperm banks. These tanks are designed to maintain a stable, ultra-low temperature.

Clinics also keep detailed records of who owns the sample, its genetic quality, and medical clearances before shipping. If a person is transferring their gametes from one clinic to another, they need proper authorization and documentation.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Before shipping, clinics and individuals must verify whether their destination country allows sperm and egg imports. Some countries restrict gamete donation or require additional testing before accepting shipments. For example, many European countries prohibit anonymous sperm donation, whereas the U.S. has fewer restrictions.

The Special Containers: Cryoshippers

How Cryoshippers Work?

Cryo Shippers use liquid nitrogen vapor instead of direct liquid nitrogen, ensuring the samples remain frozen but are safe to transport.

The containers are vacuum-sealed and insulated, preventing temperature fluctuations. Unlike normal medical coolers, cryo shippers can maintain sub-zero temperatures for 7–10 days, even in transit.

Safety Measures in Cryo Shippers

To prevent spills or contamination, cryo shippers are designed with secure locking systems and shock absorption.

Since liquid nitrogen is hazardous in confined spaces, airlines require that cryoshippers be leak-proof and labeled properly to comply with aviation safety regulations.

Real-Time Temperature Monitoring

Modern cryo shippers are equipped with GPS tracking and temperature sensors that alert the carrier if there is a risk of temperature deviation. This allows fertility clinics to monitor their shipment in real time and intervene if any issues arise.

Shipping Logistics: Getting From Point A to B

Choosing a Reliable Carrier

We at IVF CRYO specialize in fertility transport. We offer end-to-end monitoring, ensuring the samples are handled correctly at every stage. We use the advanced Cryogenic tanks and provide emergency backup in case of transit issues. With 40+ years in the industry and millions of shipments delivered, you can trust us.

Handling Transit Delays

Customs checks, airline hold-ups, or weather conditions can delay shipments. To prevent spoilage, specialized couriers have contingency plans, such as refilling cryo shippers with nitrogen at transit hubs or rerouting flights if needed.

Crossing Borders: Customs, Regulations, and Legal Barriers

Legal Restrictions in Different Countries

Some countries ban gamete imports entirely due to religious or ethical reasons. For example, China has strict regulations on importing human reproductive material, while some Middle Eastern countries prohibit sperm donation altogether.

Countries in the European Union (EU) require strict genetic screening and do not allow anonymous donors, whereas the U.S. has more lenient policies.

Required Documents for Clearance

To pass through customs smoothly, shipments require:

Medical records and laboratory reports proving the genetic viability of the sample
Consent forms from both the donor (if applicable) and the recipient
Import/export permits from the regulatory body in the destination country
Customs declarations specifying that the shipment contains human biological material

A single missing document can result in delays, rejection, or even destruction of the shipment.

Arrival and Transfer: What Happens After Delivery?

Once the sperm or eggs arrive at the destination, the receiving fertility clinic must immediately verify the shipment’s condition and ensure the samples remain frozen.

Checking Temperature Logs

The first thing fertility clinics do is check the temperature logs from the cryoshipper’s monitoring system. If the logs show any significant fluctuations, the samples might be compromised.

Storing or Using the Gametes

Once verified, the sperm or eggs are either:

Transferred to cryogenic storage tanks for future use, maintaining them at -196°C
Used immediately for IVF procedures, depending on the patient’s treatment plan

If the sample was compromised during transit, it might not be usable, leading to financial loss and emotional distress for the intended recipients.

What Could Go Wrong? (And How It’s Prevented)

Even with careful planning, international sperm and egg shipping is not without risks.

Lost Shipments and Tracking Failures

Although rare, shipping errors can result in packages getting lost. This is why GPS tracking is important. Carriers monitor the package at all times to prevent misrouting.

Temperature Failures and Damage

If a cryoshipper runs out of nitrogen due to unexpected transit delays, the sperm or eggs can thaw and become non-viable. To prevent this, couriers schedule periodic nitrogen refills during extended journeys.

Customs Delays and Legal Issues

Improper paperwork or legal disputes can result in samples being held at customs or destroyed. To avoid this, fertility clinics ensure all legal clearances are in place before shipping.

Conclusion

Shipping sperm and eggs internationally is a complex but necessary process for many people seeking fertility treatments. Advances in cryopreservation, monitoring technology, and streamlined regulations are making gamete transport safer and more reliable.

As demand for international fertility services continues to grow, companies like ours are gearing up for more advanced and reliable solutions. We are not stopping at shipping solutions only.

We provide lab migration, equipment, maintenance and storage solutions for all your needs. We are a one stop place for everything you need for keeping the eggs safe and viable.

Connect with our team today!