International Regulations Governing the Transport of Category B Infectious Substances

The international regulations that control the transport of Category B infectious substances primarily

include the “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods,” the “Regulations on the Transport

of Dangerous Goods by Road,” the “Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Sea,” and the

“Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.” These regulations ensure the

safety and compliance of transporting infectious materials globally. Here is a detailed explanation of the

specific contents of these international regulations:

1. “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods”

• Formulating Body: This recommendation is formulated by the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which is under the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
• Content Coverage: It covers the transport provisions for infectious substances by various modes of transportation, including land, sea, and air.

1. “Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road”

• Mode of Transport: Land transport is preferred; water transport may be used when there are no land routes available.
• Specific Provisions: Include special packaging provisions, mixed packaging provisions, stowage, and handling requirements.

1. “Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Sea”

• Applicable Situations: When water transport is necessary.
• Regulatory Content: Includes provisions for medium bulk containers, portable tanks, and bulk containers, as well as emergency measures and segregation requirements.

1. “Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air”

• Air Transport Regulations: Shippers must classify, package, label, and submit the correct transport documents according to these instructions.
• Specific Requirements: Include detailed transport guidelines for toxic and infectious substances to ensure the safety of air transport.

1. “Management of Infectious Substances Transport in Laboratories”

• Laboratory Relevance: It provides safe transport requirements for laboratory samples during submission, receipt, testing, and result reporting feedback.
• Specific Guidelines: For example, the WHO’s “Safe Transport of Diagnostic Specimens” guideline specifically addresses the transport of infectious substances.

In summary, the above international regulations together form a comprehensive framework aimed at

strictly controlling the transport of Category B infectious substances to ensure their safety and

compliance across different modes of transport. These regulations not only specify the exact transport

conditions and requirements but also provide emergency measures for unexpected situations, thereby

minimizing potential risks.