Shipping Biological Substances FAQs

Infectious Substances, Category A:

What is an Infectious Substance, Category A?
"An infectious substance which is transported in a form that, when exposure to it occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals. Indicative examples of substances that meet these criteria are given in Table 3.6.D." (Dangerous Goods Regulation, 3.6.2.2.2.1)

What are the requirements when shipping Infectious Substances, Category A with UPS?
UPS will accept, Category A Infectious Substances assigned to UN2814 or UN2900, provided the following conditions are met before offering this commodity:

  • A signed agreement expressly permitting the shipment of Infectious Substance, Category A is required.
  • Service only available within the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
  • Service is not available for "Select Agents or Toxins," as regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under 42 CFR Part 73, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under 9 CFR Part 21.
  • For enhanced visibility, UPS Proactive Response is required.
  • Shipments must be prepared in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
  • UPS Next Day Air® or Next Day Air® Early A.M.® service must be used for Infectious Substance, Category A. No other service levels, including UPS Next Day Air Saver®, are acceptable for this commodity.

What are the regulatory requirements that must be followed when offering Infectious Substances, Category A?
Refer to the Dangerous Goods Regulations, Packing Instruction 620 for more information regarding marking, labeling, and packing requirements.

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.
If shipping under the 49CFR, refer to 49 USC § 173.134 for additional information.

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.
If this commodity is being offered under the 49CFR refer to 49 USC § 173.199 for more detail on marking, labeling, and packaging.

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)
Refer to 49 USC § 173.134 for additional information regarding domestic shipping.

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)
If this commodity is being offered under the 49CFR refer to 49 USC § 173.134 for more detail on marking, labeling, and packaging.

Medical, Clinical, or Regulated Waste:

What is Medical, Clinical, or Regulated Waste?
"Medical or clinical wastes are wastes derived from the medical treatment of animals or humans or from bio-research." (Dangerous Goods Regulations, 3.6.2.1.5)
Refer to 173.134 for additional information regarding domestic shipping.

What are the requirements when shipping Medical, Clinical, or Regulated Waste with UPS?
UPS does not accept Medical, Clinical or Regulated Waste for transportation. This includes all forms of waste that might be reclassified under a different proper shipping name.
If you have any questions about shipping Infectious Substances with UPS, contact your UPS Salesperson or call the Hazardous Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964.