Biological Substances

Infectious Substances, Category B:

What is an Infectious Substance, Category B (also known as Biological Substance, Category B)?
"An infectious substance which does not meet the criteria for inclusion in Category A. Infectious substances in Category B must be assigned to UN 3373." (Dangerous Goods Regulations, 3.6.2.2.2.2)
Note: The proper shipping name of UN 3373 is Biological substance Category B.

What are the requirements when shipping Infectious Substances, Category B with UPS?
UPS will accept, Biological Substances, Category B assigned to UN3373, provided the following conditions are met before offering this commodity:

  • Verify that the destination is serviceable by using the Approved Country List. Click here to access the Approved Country List.
  • For transportation outside of the United States, an International Special Commodities (ISC) Contract is required. Contact your UPS sales representation for more information.

What are the regulatory requirements that must be followed when offering Infectious Substances, Category B?
The IATA regulations require that shipments containing Biological Substances, Category B are triple packaged according to Packing Instruction 650. Refer to the Dangerous Goods Regulations, Packing Instruction 650 for more information regarding marking, labeling, and packing requirements.

Exempt Human Specimen or Exempt Animal Specimen:

What is an Exempt Human Specimen or Exempt Animal Specimen?
"Patient specimens for which there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present." (Dangerous Goods Regulations, 3.6.2.2.3.8)

What are the requirements when shipping Exempt Human Specimen or Exempt Animal Specimen with UPS?
UPS will accept, Exempt Human Specimen or Exempt Animal Specimen, provided the following conditions are met before offering this commodity:

  • Verify that the destination is serviceable by using the Approved Country List. Click here to access the Approved Country List.
  • For transportation outside of the United States, an International Special Commodities (ISC) Contract is required. Contact your UPS sales representation for more information.

What are the regulatory requirements that must be followed when offering Exempt Human Specimen or Exempt Animal Specimen?
Patient specimens for which there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present are not subject to other provisions of the Regulations provided they are marked with the words "Exempt human specimen" or "Exempt animal specimen” and packaged according to the IATA regulations. (Dangerous Goods Regulations, 3.6.2.2.3.8)