Class 6 - Division 6.2, Classification

Infectious substances are classified in Division 6.2 and assigned to one of the following entries:

• UN 2814, Infectious substance, affecting humans
• UN 2900, Infectious substance, affecting animals
• UN 3291, Biomedical waste, n.o.s.; Clinical waste, unspecified, n.o.s.; Medical waste, n.o.s.; Regulated medical waste, n.o.s.
• UN 3373, Biological substance Category B

Infectious substances are divided into Category A and Category B substances.

• Category A infectious substances are those in which exposure is capable of causing permanent disability or a life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans and animals. Exposure can occur when an infectious substance is released outside of the protective packaging, resulting in physical contact with humans or animals.
• Category B infectious substances are those that do not meet the criteria for Category A. These substances are assigned the proper shipping name "UN 3373, Biological substance Category B."

Examples of Category A infectious substances that affect humans (UN 2814) include:

• Dengue virus (cultures only)
• Ebola virus
• Hepatitis B virus (cultures only)
• Poliovirus (cultures only)
• Rabies virus (cultures only)

Examples of Category A infectious substances that affect animals (UN 2900) include:

• Classical swine fever virus (cultures only)
• Foot and mouth disease virus (cultures only)
• Goatpox virus (cultures only)
• Swine vesicular disease virus (cultures only)

There are provided lists of Category A infectious substances in each set of regulations; however, those lists are not exhaustive. Any new or emerging pathogens not included in the table but that meet the same criteria must be assigned to Category A.

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