Division 3.1.1 Transport

Samples shall preferably be sent by express mail or courier to the laboratories referred to in Articles 11 and 12 of Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003, within 24 hours after collection. If not sent within 24 hours, they shall be stored refrigerated. Transportation can be at ambient temperature as long as excessive heat (over 25 °C) and exposure to sunlight are avoided. At the laboratory samples shall be kept refrigerated until examination, which shall be started within 48 hours following receipt and within 96 hours after sampling.