Category B Packaging (UN3373)

Category B shipping is the transport of infectious substances under UN3373 that are not severe enough to be Category A. They will still need to be packed under P650 and labelled correctly.

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.

Yes you can use UN3373 packaging that complies with Packing Instruction P650 but each mode of transport can add its own requirements. Any packaging travelling by air must meet IATA requirements, road shipments within the UK and Europe fall under ADR and sea freight will need to comply with IMDG.

It depends on what you’re sending and whether you need cooling material. A single specimen will usually fit in our smaller packaging, but if you have multiple containers or need extra room for cooling, then you’ll want one of our larger combination boxes.

If you’re not sure, just tell us what you’re shipping, and we can advise.

Yes. If the specimen is UN3373 and must stay cold in transit, then use a UN3373-compliant insulated transport system with suitable cooling materials.