HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Overview of 2005 Regulatory Requirements
IATA Packing Instruction 650

For the current flowchart of the January 1, 2005 IATA Packing Instruction 650,
please refer to the blue link below.

The expanded flowcharts immediately below relate to the regulatory environment
that existed prior to January 1, 2005 and are included for historical reference only.

It is important to note that shipments of Division 6.2 materials, including blood, in Risk Groups 2, 3, or 4 that are being shipped by air, for purposes of  medical research, must be shipped in UN/4G Class 6.2 packaging and  accompanied by a dangerous goods declaration. Shipments  of Risk Group 2 or 3 materials that are being shipped for diagnosis, treatment or investigation may be sent as diagnostic specimens.   For Risk Group 2 & 3 Diagnostic Specimens, a dangerous goods disclosure is not required.  The packaging of diagnostic specimens is now regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the United Nations "ICAO Technical Instructions", the U.S. Postal Service, and the International Air Transport Association.  The rules vary for ground shipments, depending upon the type of carrier.                

Diagnostic Specimens Now Regulated in the United States
Under Federal DOT Regulations

It is important to note that shipments of Division 6.2 materials, including blood, in Risk Groups 2, 3, or 4 that is being shipped, by air,  for purposes of  medical research must be shipped in UN/4G Class 6.2 packaging and be accompanied by a dangerous goods declaration. Shipments  of Risk Group 2 or 3 materials that are being shipped for diagnosis, treatment or investigation may be sent as diagnostic specimens.   For Risk Group 2 & 3 Diagnostic Specimens, a dangerous goods disclosure is not required.  The packaging of diagnostic specimens is now regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the United Nations "ICAO Technical Instructions", the U.S. Postal Service, and the International Air Transport Association.  The rules vary for ground shipments, depending upon the type of carrier.

New U.S. Postal Service Proposed Regulation
of Diagnostic Specimens --
Final Rule Published on June 6, 2003
Effective June 12, 2003

It is important to note that shipments of Division 6.2 materials, including blood, in Risk Groups 2, 3, or 4 that is being shipped, by air,  for purposes of  medical research must be shipped in UN/4G Class 6.2 packaging and be accompanied by a dangerous goods declaration. Shipments  of Risk Group 2 or 3 materials that are being shipped for diagnosis, treatment or investigation may be sent as diagnostic specimens.   For Risk Group 2 & 3 Diagnostic Specimens, a dangerous goods disclosure is not required.  The packaging of diagnostic specimens is now regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the United Nations "ICAO Technical Instructions", the U.S. Postal Service, and the International Air Transport Association.  The rules vary for ground shipments, depending upon the type of carrier.              

Mailing Risk Group 1 Specimens

Risk Group 1 continued

Exceptions & Exemptions from Title 49 CFR