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How to Prepare UN3373 Shipments for Air Transport
UN3373 shipments—categorized as Biological Substances, Category B—are common in diagnostics, biotechnology, and healthcare logistics. Yet, they are also subject to strict international rules. Whether you are shipping swabs, test kits, or tissue samples, understanding UN3373 air transport procedures is critical to ensuring safety, compliance, and shipment acceptance.
✈️ Understanding UN3373 Air Transport Requirements
UN3373 is the proper shipping name for Biological Substance, Category B under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). These materials include clinical samples such as:
- Blood and saliva for lab testing
- Biological cultures not meeting Category A risk
- Nasal swabs for COVID-19 or flu detection
Even though these samples may appear routine, improper handling has led to incidents. In one case noted in Logicom Hub’s training material, an aircraft suffered cargo compartment damage due to undeclared chemicals in a passenger’s bag—a stark reminder that undeclared or mispackaged DG endangers lives.
🔒 Why UN3373 Air Transport Training Is Mandatory
UN3373 materials are regulated under ICAO and IATA frameworks. All individuals involved in their handling—shippers, freight agents, and cargo acceptance staff—must be trained and certified. This ensures knowledge of:
- Applicable IATA DGR sections
- Carrier and State variations
- Proper documentation and labeling
Logicom Hub’s UN3373 course is fully aligned with the UK CAA and international standards, and includes live coaching, assessments, and a final proctored exam.
See UK Government Guidance on UN3373 for more on UN-Spec packaging.
🛋️ UN3373 Air Transport Packaging Instructions
Category B infectious substances must be packaged according to IATA Packing Instruction 650. This requires a triple packaging system:
- Primary container: leakproof, impact-resistant (e.g., vials, tubes)
- Secondary packaging: contains absorbent material to cushion breakages
- Outer packaging: rigid, minimum size 100 mm x 100 mm
All components must tolerate -40°C to +55°C and internal pressure of 95 kPa. If using dry ice (UN1845) to maintain temperature, the package must be vented, and additional marking applies.
Visit Air Sea Containers on UN3373 Packaging for Further information.
💼 UN3373 Air Transport Marking and Labeling Rules
Marking requirements are clear-cut under IATA Section 7. Packages must include:
- UN3373 diamond label with “Biological Substance, Category B”
- Name and telephone number of a responsible person
- Shipper and consignee addresses
If dry ice is included, label the net weight, the UN1845 designation, and apply the Class 9 label. For overpacks, add the word “OVERPACK” and repeat the above markings on the outside.
📄 UN3373 Air Transport Documentation Essentials
UN3373 shipments do not require a Shipper’s Declaration. However, the air waybill (AWB) must include:
- “UN3373, Biological Substance, Category B” as the description
- Dry ice (if used), with the weight in kilograms
- Contact details and emergency phone number (if required by the operator)
Carriers may still apply their own documentation checks. Use an acceptance checlist to avoid common errors.
🎓 What’s Covered in Our UN3373 Air Transport Course
Logicom Hub’s course provides everything needed to ship UN3373 confidently and compliantly:
- Understanding infectious substance classification
- Limitations and hidden DG detection
- Packing using PI650, including Dry Ice
- Marking and labeling best practices
- Air waybill and handling procedures
- Final exam and certificate (valid 2 years)
Explore the UN3373 learner guide or start training with us online today.
✅ Benefits of Training with Logicom Hub
- UK CAA and ICAO/IATA compliance
- Fully online and mobile-friendly modules
- Optional coaching before final exam
- Updated for 2025 Dangerous Goods Regulations
- Support beyond certification
Logicom Hub isn’t just a training provider—we’re your compliance partner.
🚀 Enroll in UN3373 Air Transport Training
If your role involves biological samples, swabs, or diagnostic material, UN3373 training is essential. Get certified with Logicom Hub and ship with safety, confidence, and legal compliance.
Visit more of our expert blogs: Dangerous Goods Insights.