Radioactive Material - A, B, & C Packages

Type A packages are used when the activity or the radiation limits, or both, for excepted packages have been exceeded. They must not contain activities greater than A₁ or A₂.

Type A packages are intended to provide a safe, economical means for transporting relatively small quantities of radioactive material. They are expected to retain their integrity under normal conditions of transport.

Type B packages are used for radioactive material with higher activity. It is required that these packages can withstand the effects of severe transport accidents. Type B(U) packages require the design approval of the government of the country of origin. If the Type B(U) package is designed for fissile material or low dispersible radioactive material, it requires multilateral approval. Type B(M) packages require multilateral approval and can be transported by cargo aircraft only. The transport of Type B(M) packages is extremely rare.

Type C packages may contain activities greater than A₁ or A₂. This package type is designed to transport highly radioactive material. Type C packages must satisfy all Type A package requirements and most Type B package requirements. They must demonstrate the capability to withstand severe crush, puncture, and fire tests, as well as impact at high speeds. This type of package has not been transported yet.

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