UPS: Biological Substances

Under IATA 3.6.2

3.6.2.2.2.1 Category A: UPS does not accept

3.6.2.2.2.2 Category B: Referred to as Biological Substance, Category B. It is classified by IATA as infectious substances which does not meet the criteria for inclusion in Category A. Does not cause permanent disability of life threatening or fatal disease to humans or animals when exposure occurs. Must be assigned to UN3373. UPS will accept on a contractual basis.

Examples: May include human or animal excreta, secreta, blood, tissue, bodily fluids such as Urine, etc.

Packaging Requirements
The IATA regulations require that packages containing Biological Substance, Category B are triple-packed according to Packing Instruction 650. Triple packaging is described as follows:

(a) The packaging must consist of 3 components: 1. a leak proof primary receptacle(s) 2. a leak proof secondary packaging; and 3. an outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass, and intended use. -Each package must meet the 4' drop test according to IATA 6.6.1 Standards

(b) For liquids, absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging.

Marking Requirements
Packages containing Biological Substances must be clearly marked "Biological Substance, Category B". Other accepted names are "Diagnostic Specimens" or "Clinical Specimens" until January 1, 2007 at which time the new name must be used.

Packages must be marked with a diamond-shaped marking with the characters "UN3373" (Minimum size 50mm X 50mm) or (Minimum 2 inches x 2 inches).

3.6.2.2.3 Exemptions: Substances being transported for diagnostic purposes that to the best of the shipper's knowledge, the specimens are unlikely to cause disease in animals or humans. Other common exemptions are dried blood spots, blood or blood components collected for the purpose of transfusions or any tissue or organs intended for use in transplantation. Does not require a UPS contract. 3.6.2.2.3.6 Patient specimens for which there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present are not subject to these regulations if they are packed according to the triple packaging guidelines (PI 650) and are marked with the words "Exempt Human Specimens" or "Exempt Animal Specimens". If you have any questions about shipping Biological Substances with UPS, please refer to the Global Advisor section under "Support" or contact your UPS international account executive or call the UPS International Customer Service Center for further details.