Revision of the Transportation Requirements For Infectious Substances
DHL Express would like to inform you of some upcoming U.S. Department of Transportation revisions to 49 CFR Parts 171, 172, 173 and 175 under Docket No. PHMSA-2004-16895 (HM-226A). These revisions may impact or change the way you currently ship with DHL Express effective October 1, 2006. The U.S. Department of Transportation is revising the transportation requirements for infectious substances to adopt new classification criteria and packaging requirements. In addition, new exceptions are being added that are consistent with revised international standards and clarify existing requirements to promote compliance. These revisions will ensure an acceptable level of safety for the transportation of infectious substances and facilitate domestic and international transportation. The following is a summary of the highlights of HM-226A:
The classification system for Division 6.2 (Infectious Substance) materials is revised to a two-tiered system--Category A and Category B.
The proper shipping name "Diagnostic specimens" is replaced with "Biological substance, Category B."
Packaging requirements for Category A and Category B infectious substances consistent with those in the UN Recommendations and ICAO Technical Instructions are adopted.
The name and telephone number of a person knowledgeable about the Category B infectious substance is required to be provided on a written document, such as a waybill, accompanying the shipment or on the package for Category B infectious substances.
Samples of an unknown infectious substance are permitted to be shipped for analysis or diagnosis as a Category B infectious substance, unless there is a strong suspicion that the unknown infectious substance meets the criteria for Category A, in which case the unknown material must be transported as a Category A infectious substance.
The ICAO requirements for packaging and identifying "Exempt human specimen" or "Exempt animal specimen" were not adopted for domestic transportation. These shipments will continue to be not regulated under 49 CFR.
The RED DHL Express lab pack (LABR -form 1286) designed as an over-wrap for 'diagnostic specimens' cannot be used and will no longer be accepted by DHL Express after October 1, 2006. DHL Express has the following packaging resources available to assist our customers in preparing their shipments covered by these regulations:
For "Diagnostic Specimens" (Biological substances, Category B) assigned to UN3373, please use E9030CP.
For "Exempt Human or Animal Specimens" please use DHL Express lab pack LAB-ND
