Infectious Substance Shipping: IATA and IMDG Class 6.2 Compliance

Shipping Infectious Substances Under IATA and IMDG Class 6.2

Infectious substances—pathogens, diagnostic specimens, and biological products—require specialized shipping procedures under both IATA and IMDG regulations. South Florida’s pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare sectors ship significant volumes of Class 6.2 materials through Miami’s air and ocean cargo facilities.

Category A vs. Category B Classification

Category A infectious substances (UN2814/UN2900) are capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in healthy humans or animals. Category B (UN3373, Biological Substance Category B) presents lower risk. The classification determines packaging requirements, carrier acceptance, and documentation.

Triple Packaging System

All infectious substances must ship in the UN-standardized triple packaging system: a leak-proof primary receptacle, a leak-proof secondary packaging with absorbent material, and a rigid outer packaging meeting UN performance standards. Category A requires additional testing and certification.

IATA Packing Instructions

Packing Instruction 602 governs Category A infectious substances by air, while PI 650 covers Category B. Each instruction specifies exact packaging configurations, quantity limits, marking requirements, and documentation. Category A shipments require advance notification to the airline.

IMDG Ocean Transport

Ocean shipping of infectious substances follows similar packaging requirements but allows larger quantities. Container stowage requirements ensure infectious substances are kept separate from foodstuffs and accessible for inspection during the voyage.

Temperature Control for Biological Specimens

Many infectious substances require temperature-controlled shipping—refrigerated, frozen, or on dry ice. South Florida’s warm climate makes proper cold chain management especially critical. Validated thermal packaging systems maintain required temperatures throughout transit.

COVID-Era and Emerging Pathogen Protocols

The global pandemic highlighted the importance of proper infectious substance shipping. South Florida’s role as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean means ongoing demand for compliant diagnostic specimen and vaccine transport through a specialized freight forwarder.