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Postal Explorer > Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail > Appendix C USPS Packaging Instructions for Mailable Hazardous Materials > USPS Packaging Instruction 6C
Infectious substances (etiologic agents) in Division 6.2 means a material
know to contain or suspected of containing a pathogen. A pathogen is a virus
or microorganism (including its viruses, plasmids, or other genetic elements,
if any) or a proteinaceous infectious particle (prion) that has the potential to
cause disease in humans or animals. Infectious Substances are mailable
only when all applicable requirements in 346 and DMM 601.10.17 are met.
• Infectious Substances Affecting Humans, UN2814.
• Infectious Substances Affecting Animals, UN2900.
• International Mail: Only via registered airmail letter-post as permitted in
622.2 and IMM 135 when written approval has been granted by the
Manager, Mailing Standards prior to mailing.
• Domestic Mail: Only via First-Class Mail or Priority Mail service. Any
mailpiece classified as a Risk Group 4 material and that contains any of
the select agents or toxins listed in 42 CFR 73.3, 73.4, or 73.5 must
meet all requirements in 42 CFR 72 and must also be sent using
Registered Mail service.
• All Division 6.2 materials must meet the packaging requirements in 49
CFR 173.196. Either the primary receptacle or the secondary container
must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure
that produces a pressure differential of not less than 0.95 bar, 14 psi
(95 kPa), and temperatures in the range of -40°F to 131°F (-40°C to
55°C) as required by 49 CFR 173.196.
• Each mailpiece must be designed and constructed so that, if it were
subject to the environmental and test conditions in 49 CFR 178.609,
there would be no release of the contents to the environment and no
significant reduction in the effectiveness of the packaging.
Separate conditions apply to domestic mail and international mail as noted
below.
Domestic Mail:
Primary Receptacle (Container)
• The primary receptacle must be a securely sealed and watertight
container (test tube, vial).
• Multiple primary receptacles are permitted provided the total liquid
volume of the infectious substance in all enclosed primary receptacles
does not exceed 50 ml (1.66 ounces) for liquids or 50 g (1.75 oz.) for
solids, per mailpiece.
• The primary receptacle(s) must be marked with the international
biohazard symbol (see Exhibit 346.32e).
Cushioning and Absorbent Material
• Enough cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle(s) to
absorb shocks and prevent breakage during normal handling.
• The space between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary
container at the top, bottom, and sides must contain enough material to
absorb the entire contents of the primary receptacle(s) in case of
breakage or leakage.
Secondary Container
• The secondary packaging must be constructed of a durable and
watertight material and have a secure sealing method.
• If the primary receptacle does not meet the pressure requirements
listed above, then the secondary container must be designed to meet
those requirements.
• The secondary container must be marked with the international
biohazard symbol (see Exhibit 346.32e).
Outer Shipping Container
• Proper UN specification packaging must be used.
• The primary receptacle(s) and the secondary container must be
enclosed in a strong outer packaging constructed of fiberboard or other
equivalent material.
• No external surface of the outer packaging may be less than 3.9 inches
wide (100 mm) as required by 49 CFR 173.196.
• An itemized list of the contents of the primary receptacle(s) must be
enclosed between the secondary container and the outer shipping
container.
• Each mailpiece must be designed and constructed so that, if it were
subject to the environmental and test conditions in 49 CFR 178.609,
there would be no release of the contents to the environment and no
significant reduction in the effectiveness of the packaging.
Markings
• The primary and the secondary container must be marked with the
biohazard symbol.
• Each mailpiece (outer shipping container) must bear a DOT Hazard
Class 6 warning label for infectious substances (see Exhibit 346.42b)
• Each mailpiece (outer shipping container) must be clearly marked on
the address side with the proper shipping name and UN number, which
is "Infectious Substances Affecting Humans UN2814," or "Infectious
Substances Affecting Animals UN2900" as applicable.
• Each mailpiece (outer shipping container) must have the orientation
markings (see Exhibit 226) that properly indicate the upright position of
the primary receptacle(s) displayed on two opposite outer side walls of
the box.
• Each mailpiece (outer shipping container) must bear a complete return
address and delivery address.
Documentation
• Each mailable material must have a properly completed shipper's
declaration for dangerous goods prepared in triplicate and affixed to the
outside of the mailpiece.
• Note: Any mailpiece classified as a Risk Group 4 material that contains
any of the select agents or toxins listed in 42 CFR 73.3, 73.4, or 73.5
must meet all requirements in 42 CFR 72 and must also be sent using
Registered Mail service.
International Mail
• The requirements specified in 622.2 and IMM 135 applies in addition to
the packaging instructions for domestic mail.
Note: Articles that include dry ice as a refrigerant for the infectious
substance must meet the requirements of 42 CFR 72.3(c) and 49 CFR
173.196(b)(2)(ii). The dry ice must be placed outside the secondary
container; it must never be placed inside a sealed container. When dry
ice is placed between the secondary container and the outer shipping
container, the shock-absorbent material must be placed in such a way
that the secondary container does not become loose inside the outer
container as the dry ice dissipates.
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