Office of Public Safety
Office of Environmental Health & Safety
Office of Environmental Health & Safety

Requirements for Shipping Biohazardous Materials 

The shipment of biological materials, toxins, and materials transported on dry ice is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). These requirements apply to domestic and international shipments of regulated hazardous materials, including infectious substances (Class 6.2), toxins (Class 6.1), and dry ice (Class 9).

All Georgetown University faculty, staff, and students who package or ship regulated biological materials must complete Hazardous Materials Shipping Training every two years. Training is provided by EH&S. Visit the training page to request access to the course via Canvas.

Under IATA regulations, infectious substances (Class 6.2) are classified as:

  • Category A (UN2814 or UN2900): Substances capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening, or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals.
  • Category B (UN3373): Infectious substances that do not meet the criteria for Category A.

Many diagnostic specimens, cultures, regulated medical waste, toxins, and related materials fall under these classifications. Certain low-risk environmental samples may qualify as “Exempt,” but this determination must be made carefully.

Category B materials require triple packaging (primary receptacle, secondary packaging, and outer packaging) and specific outer container markings, including the UN3373 label and shipper/receiver contact information.

Applicable Policies & Guides: