Infectious Substances — Division 6.2
Air transport of infectious substances: Category A (UN 2814/2900), Category B (UN 3373), and clinical waste (UN 3291). Triple packaging requirements, PI 620/650 rules, and DGD exemption for Category B.
Biohazard Risk
Category A infectious substances can cause permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in humans or animals upon exposure. Triple packaging integrity is critical. A 24/7 emergency response phone number must be marked on Cat A packages.
Category A
Capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals. Cultures of pathogens listed in IATA Table 3.6.D (e.g., Ebola, Marburg, Anthrax).
UN 2814 (human) / UN 2900 (animal) / PI 620
Category B
Does not meet Category A criteria but is known or reasonably expected to contain infectious agents. Routine diagnostic/clinical specimens (blood, tissue, swabs).
UN 3373 / PI 650
Culture vs Clinical Specimen
The same pathogen can fall under different categories depending on whether it is a culture (laboratory-propagated, high titre) or a clinical specimen (diagnostic sample). Example: an HIV blood sample for diagnosis is Category B (UN 3373), while an HIV culture is Category A (UN 2814).
UN Numbers & Classification
| UN | Category | PI | DGD | Inner Limit | Outer Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2814 | Category A | 620 | Required | 50 mL / 50 g | 4 L / 4 kg |
| 2900 | Category A | 620 | Required | 50 mL / 50 g | 4 L / 4 kg |
| 3373 | Category B | 650 | Exempt (2.6.3) | 1 L / 1 kg | 4 L / 4 kg |
| 3291 | Clinical Waste | 622 | Required | Per PI 622 | Per PI 622 |
PI 620 — Category A (UN 2814 / 2900)
Triple Packaging (Mandatory)
Leakproof, contains specimen (vial, tube)
Leakproof, with absorbent material between layers
Min. 100 mm smallest dimension, UN spec mark
Quantity Limits
Primary receptacle: max 50 mL (liquid) / 50 g (solid) | Outer package: max 4 L (liquid) / 4 kg (solid)
- - Shipper's Declaration (DGD) — 2 original copies mandatory
- - Itemized list of contents enclosed between secondary and outer packaging
- - Shipper training certification (Category 1 — valid 24 months)
- - 24/7 emergency response phone number on package
- - Pressure differential: primary or secondary must withstand 95 kPa
- - Temperature range: -40 °C to +55 °C capability
PI 650 — Category B (UN 3373)
Triple packaging also required, but with more flexible application:
Leakproof, max 1 L liquid per receptacle
Leakproof, absorbent for liquids
Rigid, min. one face 100 × 100 mm
DGD Exemption (2.6.3)
UN 3373 + PI 650: Shipper's Declaration is not required. AWB must show: Biological substance, Category B, UN 3373
- - Package limit: 4 L liquid / 4 kg solid per outer package
- - Class 6.2 hazard label is NOT required (unlike Cat A)
- - UN 3373 diamond mark required instead
- - Function-specific training sufficient (formal Cat 1 certification not needed)
Marking & Labelling Comparison
| Requirement | Cat A (PI 620) | Cat B (PI 650) |
|---|---|---|
| UN Number | UN 2814 / 2900 | UN 3373 |
| Proper Shipping Name | Yes | Yes |
| Class 6.2 Hazard Label | YES | NO |
| UN 3373 Diamond Mark | NO | YES |
| Emergency Phone (24/7) | YES | NO |
| Orientation Arrows | If liquid > 50 mL | If liquid > 50 mL |
| Shipper / Consignee | YES | YES |
| DGD Required | YES (2 copies) | NO (exempt 2.6.3) |
Cold Chain Combinations
Cat B + Dry Ice (Most Common)
UN 3373 (PI 650) + UN 1845 (PI 954). Both DGD-exempt. AWB lists both. Outer packaging must be ventilated for CO₂ release while maintaining triple packaging integrity for the biological substance.
Cat A + Dry Ice
DGD required (Cat A side). DGD lists both UN 2814/2900 and UN 1845 as separate lines. Ventilated outer packaging for dry ice sublimation.
Important Notes
- - "Culture" vs "clinical specimen" distinction is CRITICAL for Cat A vs B classification.
- - UN 3373 DGD exemption applies ONLY with PI 650. PI 620 (Cat A) and PI 622 (waste) require DGD.
- - Class 6.2 hazard label is NOT used for UN 3373 — only the UN 3373 diamond mark.
- - Exempt human/animal specimens (3.6.2.1.4.1): specimens determined to not contain pathogens are fully exempt from DGR.
- - SARS-CoV-2: clinical diagnostic swabs = Cat B (UN 3373); virus culture = Cat A (UN 2814).
- - Cat A emergency phone must be genuinely available 24/7 — automated messages are not acceptable.
- - Small quantities of Class 3/8/9 DG (≤ 30 mL) may be packed in the primary receptacle with infectious substances.