Category B Packaging (UN3373)

Category A infectious substances when exposure occurs, is capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals. Category B Biological Substances are infectious substances which do not meet the criteria for inclusion in Category.

Generally, these Category B Biological Substances pose a lower risk to humans and animals than Category A Infectious Substances

However, they are still potentially harmful and will need to be transported in a way that ensures the safety of anyone who comes into contact with them.

Due to the nature of Category B substances, there is much legislation around the transport and packaging of these items.

When packaging UN3373 Category B Substances, you will need to use a three layer approach:

• A leak-proof Primary Receptacle: Liquids, need to be packaged with sufficient absorbent material to absorb all fluids in the case of a broken container.
• A leak-proof Secondary Packaging:
• Outer Packaging: The secondary packaging is placed within the capable outer packaging. This is to protect Category B biological substances from physical damage throughout transportation.

As well as the correct packaging options above, there are strict guidelines on how to label UN3373 packaging:

• Proper Shipping Name

• Appropriate UN Number

• Appropriate Hazard Label

If you need more information on packaging options and correct labelling, get in touch with our team today.

Category B Biological Substances usually fall into two UN number categories. These are:

UN3373 – Biological Substance

Biological Substance Category B consists of “infectious substance[s] which does not meet the criteria for inclusion in Category A”. This can include:

• Excreta
• Blood
• Tissues and Fluids

UN3291 – Medical or clinical waste

UN3291 includes biomedical waste, medical waste or clinical waste or regulated medical waste containing Category B infectious Substances.

Such substances classed as UN 3291 Category B medical or clinical waste, require a rigid Outer packaging – for example – Drums, Jerricans & Boxes, meeting Packing Group II performance standards.

A shipper’s declaration is not required for Category B Biological Substances.

However, the packaging must be labelled correctly to ensure safe transport.