To ensure regulatory compliance, all shipments must begin with correct material classification. This step determines the appropriate IATA packing instructions and required documentation.
As the subject matter expert for your samples, you are responsible for classifying your materials according to UN Model Regulations for labeling and handling.
Caution: If your items fall under UN2814 (Infectious substances affecting humans) or UN2900 (Infectious substances affecting animals), we will need to engage our Dangerous Goods consultants to handle documentation and packaging in full compliance with IATA standards.
Please be aware that this process will involve additional time and cost.
Please refer to the list of typical classification options below, along with plain-language explanations to assist you in selecting the correct category for your items.
| Non Infectious | ||
| Exempt Biological Products | ||
| Code | IATA Term | Explanation (with examples) |
|
NA
|
Non-Human/Non-Animal Biological Products (non Infectious)
|
Virtually all commercially available biological products. Examples of biological products include bacterial typing sera, vaccines, bacterial antigens, antimicrobial agents, reagents for identifying bacteria, and reagents used in antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
|
| Exempt Human or Animal Specimens | ||
| Code | IATA Term | Explanation (with examples) |
|
3.6.2.2.3.1
|
Your material does not contain infectious substances, nor is likely to cause disease in humans or animals.
|
This sample has been assessed and confirmed not to carry any infectious substances. Non-infectious nucleic acids (e.g., plasmids, PCR products, oligos); Proteins from non-pathogenic systems (e.g., GFP, insulin, lab antibodies). Lab-made amino acid chains with no infectious risk. |
|
3.6.2.2.3.2
|
Your material contains micro-organisms which are non-pathogenic to humans or animals. |
The sample includes micro-organisms such as certain lab strains of *E. coli* or *Lactobacillus*, which are not known to cause disease in people or animals. |
|
3.6.2.2.3.3
|
Your material is in a form that any pathogens have been neutralised or inactivated such that they no longer pose a health risk. | Any infectious agents originally present in this material have been rendered inactive through heat, chemical treatment, or other validated methods. For example, gamma-irradiated tissue samples or autoclaved bacterial cultures. |
|
3.6.2.2.3.5
|
Your material is dried blood spots, collected by applying a drop of blood onto absorbent material. |
A small volume of blood collected on filter paper, commonly used for newborn screening tests or field-based diagnostic sampling.
|
|
3.6.2.2.3.6
|
Your material is faecal occult blood screening samples.
|
Stool samples collected to test for hidden (occult) blood, typically used in colorectal cancer screening programs. These are usually low-risk and handled using standard diagnostic protocols.
|
|
3.6.2.2.3.7
|
Your material is blood or blood components purposed or prepared for transfusion.
|
This includes red blood cells, plasma, or platelets prepared for clinical transfusion in healthcare settings, and packaged according to transfusion medicine standards. |
|
3.6.2.2.3.8
|
Your material is a patient specimen for which there is minimal likelihood that pathogens are present
|
The sample is from a human or animal patient and is not suspected to contain infectious agents based on clinical judgment. Examples include saliva, urine, or tissue samples collected for routine diagnostics without any indication of infection. |
| Infectious (not dangerous) | ||
| UN3373 Biological Substance Category B | ||
| Code | IATA Term | Explanation (with examples) |
|
UN3373
|
An infectious substance which does not meet the criteria for inclusion in Category A. Infectious substances in Category B shall be assigned to UN3373.
|
Category B substances are not in a form generally capable of causing disability, life-threatening illness, or fatal disease. |
| Infectious (Dangerous) | ||
| UN2814 Biological Substance Category A | ||
| Code | IATA Term | Explanation (with examples) |
|
UN2814
|
Infectious Substance affecting humans
|
When exposure to it occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability, life threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans. UN2814 Infectious substance affecting humans list
|
If you need assistance determining the appropriate classification for your shipment, or if you’re unsure about how to classify your material, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the WEHI Shipping Team at shipping@wehi.edu.au. We’re here to support you through the process and ensure your shipment complies with all applicable regulations.
For high-risk materials or uncertain cases, early engagement can help avoid delays, additional costs, or rejected consignments.
Next Steps:
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