USPS Packaging Instruction 6F

Forensic Material

Forensic material containing a biological material, such as tissue, body fluid, excreta, or secreta, and sent on behalf of a federal, state, local, or Indian tribal government agency must be packaged under 346.325 when it is not known or suspected to contain a Category A or Category B infectious substance. Forensic material known or suspected to contain a Category A infectious substance is not mailable. Forensic material known or suspected to contain a Category B infectious substance as identified in 346.321 is mailable via air transportation, when triple-packaged in a primary receptacle, secondary packaging, and a rigid outer packaging.

Proper Shipping Name

• Not applicable.

Mailability

• International Mail: Mailable only when:
• Permitted by the destination country (refer to the Individual Country Listing in the IMM).
• They are presented by and to authorized laboratories designated in “International Mail” below in this Packaging Instruction.
• They meet the Category B infectious substance definition in 346.12(a).
• The director, Product Classification, has granted written approval.
• Quantity limits in 622.2 are met.
• They are triple-packaged (refer to below), meeting the packaging requirements in 49 CFR § 173.199.
• Sent via First-Class Package International Service with Registered Mail service.
• Domestic Mail: Mailable only when:
• Intended for medical or veterinary use, research, or laboratory certification related to the public health.
• Division 6.2 materials meet the preparation requirements for air transportation and are sent via Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail.

Required Packaging

• Must be triple-packaged, meeting the packaging requirements in 49 CFR § 173.199. Such materials must be properly packaged to withstand shocks, pressure changes, and other conditions related to ordinary handling in transit, and surrounded by absorbent material sufficient to protect the primary receptacle and to absorb the total amount of liquid should the primary receptacle leak or break.

Primary Receptacle

• Each primary receptacle containing a liquid must be leakproof. Each primary receptacle containing a solid must be sift-proof.
• A single primary receptacle must not contain more than 1 liter (34 ounces) of a liquid specimen or 4 kg (8.8 pounds) of a solid specimen.
• Two or more primary receptacles whose combined volume does not exceed 4 liters (1 gallon) for liquids or 4 kg (8.8 pounds) for solids may be enclosed in a single secondary packaging.

Cushioning and Absorbent Material

• The space between the primary receptacle(s) and the secondary packaging 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.
• Either the primary receptacle or the secondary packaging 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).

Secondary Packaging

• Secondary packaging for liquids must be leakproof. Secondary packaging for solids must be sift-proof. The secondary packaging must be constructed of a durable material and have a secure sealing method.
• If the primary receptacle does not meet the pressure requirements listed above, then the secondary packaging must be designed to meet those requirements.
• The secondary packaging must be marked with the international biohazard symbol shown in Exhibit 346.321.

Outer Packaging

• A strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle(s) and cushioning material is required. Refer to 339.4.
• At least one surface of the outer packaging must have a minimum dimension of 3.9 inches by 3.9 inches (100 mm by 100 mm) as required by 49 CFR § 173.199.

Marking/Documentation

Labels and markings must be placed on the address side of the mailpiece unless specified differently in 221.1 and 325.1.

• Category B infectious substances not present:
• A shipping paper and content markings on the outer packaging are not required.
• Each mailpiece must have a complete delivery and return address.
• Category B infectious substances are present:
• Each mailpiece (outer packaging) must be marked with the proper shipping name “Biological Substance, Category B” and have the diamond marking indicating UN3373 (refer to Exhibit 346.12).
• The address side of the outer packaging must be marked with name and telephone number of a person who is knowledgeable about the material shipped and has comprehensive emergency response and incident mitigation information, or someone who has immediate access to the person with such knowledge and information.
• Orientation arrows are not required on these mailpieces but may be used.

International Mail

Substances identified in IMM 135.11b must be sent only by authorized laboratories to their foreign counterparts in those countries that have indicated a willingness to accept them.

Note: Countries distinguish between infectious and noninfectious (nonregulated) biological substances and may prohibit one or the other or both. Refer to “Prohibitions” in the Individual Country Listings.

• Infectious biological substances can be sent to or received by only the following types of institutions:
• Laboratories of local, state, and federal government agencies.
• Laboratories of federally licensed manufacturers of biological products derived from bacteria and viruses.
• Laboratories affiliated with or operated by hospitals, universities, research facilities, and other teaching institutions.
• Private laboratories licensed, certified, recognized, or approved by a public authority.