IATA Class 6 Packing Instructions Category B Biological Substances

Biological substances of Category B must follow Packing Instruction 650. The packagings must be made of high-quality materials and be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during transport. The packaging must have a primary receptacle, a secondary packaging, and a rigid outer packaging. The primary receptacle must be packed to avoid breakage, punctures, and leakage. Secondary packaging must be secured in the outer packaging with suitable cushioning materials. An itemized list of contents must be placed between the secondary and outer packaging. And, at least one surface of the outer packaging must have a minimum dimension of 100 mm x 100 mm. A diamond-shaped mark with "UN3373" must be displayed on the external surface of the outer packaging. Next to the mark, the proper shipping name "Biological Substance, Category B" must be displayed in letters at least 6 mm high.

For solid substances, the primary and secondary packagings must be sift-proof. If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact. Except for packages containing body parts, organs, or whole bodies, the outer packaging must not contain more than 4 kg. This quantity excludes ice, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen.

For liquid substances, the primary receptacle must be leak proof and contain no more than 1 L. The secondary packaging must also be leak proof. In addition, the primary and secondary packaging must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, internal pressure producing a pressure differential of not less than 95 kPa and temperatures in the range of -40° C to 55° C (-40° F to 131° F). Absorbent material must be placed between the primary and secondary packaging. If multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they must be individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact. The outer packaging must not contain more than 4 L. This quantity excludes ice, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen.

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