Shipping of Infectious Substances According IATA-DGR Regulations

The regulations for transport of infectious substances via aircrafts are regulated by the “IATA” and published annually in the “IATA-DGR.” In this chapter, the detailed instructions of the IATA-DGR are presented in a simple and clear manner. Infectious substances and related biological materials belong to the DGs class 6.2, consisting of infectious substances (category A, UN 2814, UN 2900), biological substances (category B, UN 3373), genetically modified microorganisms and organisms (UN 3245), and medical or clinical waste (UN 3291). The IATA-DGR award different UN code numbers to specific PIs: PI 650 to UN 3373, PI 620 to UN 2814 and UN 2900, and PI 904 to UN 1845 (dry ice). The PIs include all prescribed specifications for the packing material, markings, and labeling. For materials of category A and category B, an air waybill is necessary, and for category A material, a shipper's declaration according to IATA-DGR regulations has to be filled out and signed by an authorized shipper. The shipper is responsible for the accurate classification, proper packaging, and labeling of the package and needs training including an examination every 2 years.