IATA Class 6 Division 6.2

The DGR defines infectious substances as those that are known or are reasonably expected to contain pathogens. Pathogens are micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, and other agents, such as prions, that can cause disease in humans or animals.

Biological products are derived from living organisms, and they are manufactured and distributed in accordance with the requirements of the approved national authority. Such requirements may include special licensing. These products are used for prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of diseases, or for development, experimental, or investigative research purposes related to the prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of disease. An example of a biological product is a vaccine.

Cultures are the result of a process by which pathogens are intentionally propagated.

Patient specimens are collected directly from humans or animals. Examples include excreta, secreta, blood, tissue, and body parts. These specimens may be transported for research, diagnosis, investigational activities, or disease treatment or prevention.

Medical and clinical wastes are the wastes derived from the medical treatments of humans and animals or the wastes from bioresearch.

To learn more about IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations visit our IATA DGR Online Training Certification Courses web page.