UK 
Royal Mail Safebox Withdrawn? Here’s a Compliant Alternative Packaging Solution for Sending UN3373 Postal Samples
If you’ve been using Royal Mail Safeboxes to send Category B biological samples (UN3373), you’ll likely be looking for a suitable packaging replacement following Royal Mail’s decision to withdraw the Safebox packaging.
For many NHS organisations, laboratories, universities, diagnostic providers and healthcare companies, Safeboxes provided a convenient way to send diagnostic specimens in a compliant package through the postal network. With their withdrawal, organisations must now source an alternative packaging solution that continues to meet the requirements for transporting UN3373 Biological Substance, Category B samples safely and compliantly.
At Air Sea Containers, we supply UN3373 Postal Packs designed to provide a practical alternative for organisations requiring compliant postal packaging for biological samples. Our postal pack is designed to be used with Royal Mails postal services and its compact design fits through standard letter boxes.
Why is Royal Mail Withdrawing its Safebox?
Royal Mail has announced the withdrawal of its Safebox product, which was widely used for posting Category B biological substances and healthcare screening kits. As a result, organisations that previously relied on Safeboxes will need to source compliant packaging from alternative suppliers.
While the withdrawal affects the availability of the Royal Mail packaging product itself, they still offer the postal service to transport biological substances and the regulatory requirements for transporting Category B biological substances have not changed. Samples must still be packaged in accordance with the applicable transport regulations, including the requirements for UN3373 and Packing Instruction P650, where applicable.
What is Air Sea Containers Postal Pack?
Our postal pack is a complete packaging solution designed for sending diagnostic or clinical samples safely through the postal or courier network.
Typical applications include:
- Home testing kits
- Healthcare screening programmes
- Diagnostic specimens
- Clinical trial samples
- Laboratory samples
- Veterinary specimens
- Public health testing
Postal packs are commonly used by:
- NHS Trusts
- Private healthcare providers
- Medical laboratories
- Universities
- Research organisations
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Veterinary laboratories
A Compliant Alternative to Royal Mail Safebox
Our UN3373 Postal Packs have been developed specifically for organisations shipping Category B biological substances.
Designed to simplify compliance while protecting samples during transport, they provide a practical solution for organisations replacing withdrawn Safebox packaging.
Our postal packs incorporate the components required to build a compliant sample transport system, allowing healthcare providers and laboratories to continue operating without disruption.
Features and Benefits of Air Sea Containers Postal Packs
Designed for UN3373 Biological Samples
Our postal packs are suitable for transporting Biological Substance, Category B (UN3373) when assembled and used in accordance with the applicable transport regulations.
Complete Packaging Solution
Each postal pack is designed to accommodate the essential packaging components required for compliant sample transport, helping simplify preparation for laboratories and healthcare providers.
They contain:
- 1 x Rigid Outer Box
- 1 x 95kpa Biobag-751,
- 1 x Security tab seal,
- 1 x 4 bay absorbent cushioning pouch,
- 1 x Pre Printed UN3373 Label
Lightweight and Cost Effective
Postal packs are manufactured from durable corrugated fibreboard, helping minimise shipping weight while providing protection during transport.
Easy to Assemble
Supplied flat-packed, the cartons can be assembled quickly, making them suitable for healthcare screening programmes and laboratory operations.
Suitable for Home Testing Kits
Postal packs are widely used within:
- Home healthcare testing
- Diagnostic screening
- Blood sample collection
- Swab testing
- Clinical research
- Public health programmes
Compatible with Multiple Sample Types
The packs can be configured with suitable primary receptacles depending on the application and regulatory requirements.
What Makes a UN3373 Postal Pack Compliant?
Transporting Category B biological substances requires more than simply choosing a suitable outer box the box needs to hve passed performance tests to prove its capability and support triple packaging requirements set out in UN dangerous goods transport regulations.
A compliant system should include:
- Leakproof primary receptacle
- Leakproof secondary packaging for liquids
- Absorbent material
- Rigid outer packaging
- Correct UN3373 marking
- Appropriate documentation where applicable
Selecting packaging that has been designed specifically for biological sample transport helps support compliance with current transport regulations.
Industries Using UN3373 Postal Packs
Our customers include organisations involved in:
- NHS and healthcare services
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Clinical trials
- Pharmaceutical research
- Universities
- Veterinary diagnostics
- Biotechnology
- Environmental testing
- Food testing laboratories
Why Choose Air Sea Containers?
Air Sea Containers has supplied dangerous goods packaging for over 45 years and supports organisations across healthcare, life sciences and industry with compliant transport packaging.
Our range includes packaging suitable for transporting infectious substances, diagnostic specimens and temperature-sensitive products, alongside a comprehensive range of UN approved dangerous goods packaging.
If you’re replacing withdrawn Royal Mail Safeboxes, our experienced team can help identify the most appropriate postal pack for your application.
Explore Our UN3373 Postal Packs
If you’re searching for an alternative to Royal Mail Safebox, explore our range of UN3373 Postal Packs designed for healthcare screening programmes, diagnostic laboratories and biological sample transport.
View the full range here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Royal Mail stopped supplying Safebox?
Yes. Royal Mail has announced the withdrawal of the Safebox product, meaning organisations that previously relied on it will need to source an alternative packaging solution. They still offer the postal service for transporting the boxes. (royalmail.com)
Can I still send UN3373 samples through the post?
Yes. Category B biological substances can still be transported provided they are packaged in accordance with the applicable transport regulations and the postal operator’s acceptance requirements.
What is the best alternative to Royal Mail Safebox?
Many laboratories, healthcare providers and diagnostic organisations are choosing dedicated UN3373 Postal Packs because they provide a compliant packaging solution that can be integrated into existing testing programmes.
Are postal packs suitable for home testing kits?
Yes. Postal packs are widely used for healthcare screening programmes, diagnostic testing and clinical sample collection where compliant transport packaging is required.
Can Air Sea Containers help choose the correct packaging?
Yes. Our dangerous goods packaging specialists can help identify suitable packaging solutions for UN3373 biological samples, healthcare screening kits and diagnostic specimen transport.
