Category A infectious substances are human and animal pathogens which, when exposed, are capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans and which are listed as Category A infectious substances (ADR 2.2.62.1.4.1 / IATA).
They include, but are not limited to:

• Cultures, patient specimens and liquid waste of all viruses of risk group 4
• Cultures of some viruses and bacteria of risk group 3 as listed in ADR / IATA.
• Pathogens and new or emerging infectious substances not listed as category A infectious substances, but which, when exposed, are nevertheless capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals.

• Infectious substance, affecting humans: UN 2814
• Infectious substance, affecting animals only: UN 2900

Category A samples must be packed according to Packing Instruction P620 (ADR) or PI602 (IATA), respectively:

• Packaging instructions P620 for UN 2814 & 2900, ADR 4.1.4
• Packaging instructions PI602 (air), ICAO, Annex 18, technical instructions

Both packaging instructions require a triple packaging which has to be UN-certified.
Inner packagings:

• leak-proof primary receptacle(s), i.e. tubes, petri dishes, small bottles,
• leak-proof secondary packaging, i.e. plastic bottles, containers and
  • - for liquids: absorbent material between primary receptacle and secondary packaging to fully absorb liquid in case of leak or breakage,
  • - when multiple fragile primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they are either individually wrapped or separated to prevent contact between them.

A rigid outer packaging, i.e. drums, boxes or jerricans with a smallest external dimension of minimal 100 mm.

For air transport only: the maximum net quantity per package is 50 ml or 50 g, respectively, without coolants.

• UN number and proper shipping name: UN 2814, infectious substance, affecting humans (description of content)
• Name and address of consigner and consignee, phone number of responsible person
• UN label for class 6.2., infectious substances
• If solid carbon dioxide is used: ‘Carbon dioxide, solid’, as coolant

Additionally for air transport:

• Net quantity
• Hazard labels: UN label for class 6.2., infectious substances, orientation arrows (when volume exceeds 50 ml)
• If solid carbon dioxide is used: ‘Carbon dioxide, solid’ as coolant, UN 1845, net quantity, class 9 hazard label

Dangerous goods transport document (ADR 5.4.1), including

• UN number: UN 2814 or UN 2900
• proper shipping name (infectious substance, affecting humans or infectious substances, infecting animals, respectively), scientific name in brackets
• hazard class 6.2
• total net quantity
• name and address of the consigner and the consignee
• name and phone number of a responsible person (ADR 5.4.1.2.4)
• Itemized list of contents between secondary packaging and outer packaging (ADR 4.1.8.3) For unknowns indicate: infectious substance affecting humans (suspected Category A infectious substance)
• Instructions for carrier what to do in case of an accident (instructions in writing, ADR 5.4.3)
• Delivery note/ (pro forma) invoice for customs
• Required permits.

Additionally for air transport:

• Shipper's declaration and
• Air Waybill (form provided and filled out by carrier)