At least A, B. Next years ICAO changes have sent shippers of infectious substances scrambling to find answers regarding the new shipping requirements for infectious substances. The days of classifying infectious substances according to their Risk Group assignments are gone. Enter CATAGORIES!

     Based on recommendations set forth by the UN Committee of Experts ICAO and IATA have now implemented the revised classification criteria for Division 6.2. And yes it’s almost as easy as A, B. Infectious Substances are now divided into two categories. Category A and Category B.

     Category A infectious substances are infectious substances which is transported in a form that, when exposure to it occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability, life threatening or fatal diseases to humans or animals.

     Infectious substances that cause disease to both human and animals must be assigned to UN 2814.

     Infectious substances that cause disease to only animals must be assigned to UN 2900.

     Assignment to UN 2814 or UN 2900 must be based on the known medical history and symptoms of the source human or animal, endemic local conditions, or professional judgment concerning individual circumstances of the source human or animal.

     Category B infectious substances are infectious substances which do not meet the criteria for inclusion to category A. Infectious substances in category B must be assigned to UN 3373 (Diagnostic specimens or Clinical specimens) except that cultures, as defined in the ICAO or IATA dangerous goods regulations must be assigned to UN 2814 or UN 2900, as appropriate.

     In addition to the above requirements, ICAO and IATA have offered up a useful list of examples of Infectious Substances included in the Category A classification. This list of Category A infectious substances can be found in Table 3.6.D of the IATA DGR.

     It’s important to note that the requirements for biological products, genetically-modified micro-organisms still apply.

     Over the past few years, one of the most common questions our clients have asked has been, “Should I ship my material as an infectious substance or diagnostic specimen?” All and all the new regulations provide a better understanding of what should be classified under the proper shipping name Infectious substance and Diagnostic specimens and/or clinical specimens. Our understanding is that the UN Committee of Experts (UNCOE) continues to review and revise the requirements for infectious substances. Based on their findings, we are confident that the industry will see these changes via addendums and new editions to the shipping regulations.