What are the Packing Instruction P650 for UN3373 (Biological Substance, Category B)

What are the Key Packaging Requirements for UN3373 substances under PI 650?

Here we provide a quick summary guide of the packaging requirements for UN3373 samples, for a more indepth guide you can read our how to compliantly pack UN3373 guide. 

The packaging must consist of three components:

1. Primary receptacle (leakproof – liquids or siftproof -solids).
2. Secondary packaging (leakproof – liquids or siftproof -solids).
3. Rigid outer packaging (ADR states either secondary or outer packaging shall be rigid).

Primary receptacles: Key Points

• Primary receptacles must be leakproof for liquids and siftproof for solids and packed in such a way that under normal conditions they can not break or leak contents into the secondary packaging.
• Requirements for multiple fragile primary receptacles in one secondary package are:
  • Receptacles must be individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact.
  • Sufficient quantity of absorbent material is required inside the secondary packaging if liquids are present (enough to absorb the full content of primary receptacles).

Secondary Packaging: Key Points

• Must be leakproof for liquids and siftproof for solids, packaging examples include Biohazard Bags.
• 95 kPa Requirement:
  • For liquid substances, primary receptacles or the secondary packaging must withstand an internal pressure of 95 kPa (0.95 bar) without leakage.

Outer Packaging

• Must be rigid (ADR states either secondary or outer packaging shall be rigid). 
• Minimum dimension: 100 mm × 100 mm on at least one surface of the packaging.
• An itemised list of contents must be enclosed between the secondary and outer packaging.
• The complete package must be capable of successfully withstanding a 1.2 m drop test without leakage.
• Must display the UN3373 mark set at a 45 degree angle (diamond shaped) with minimum side length of 50 mm. “BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE, CATEGORY B” in letters at least 6 mm high must be shown
• Any Dry Ice must be placed outside the secondary packagings or in the outer packaging or overpack.

In short: To legally ship UN3373 substances, you need a triple packaging system with leakproof or siftproof primary and secondary containers, one of which can handle a pressure up to 95 kPa for liquids, cushioning and absorbent material are also required for liquids. The package must be capable of passing a 1.2 m drop test. Proper marking (UN3373 diamond + Category B text) is mandatory.

Looking for UN3373 compliant packaging? Air Sea Containers has a range of packaging solutions for the compliant shipment of UN 3373 Specimens. Choose from our 95kPa specimen transport bags to our UN 3373 shipper kit solutions and Temperature Control Packaging. 

Looking for more information about UN3373 compliant packaging? We have created articles to help customers understand Infectious Substance packaging requirements. For an in depth explanation of UN3373, UN2814 & 2900 packaging requirements read more. Not sure what 95 kPa bags are find out here or watch our 95 kPa test video.

Contact us today for a quote or for more information about our new biohazard bags.