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UN3373 Biological Substance Air Shipping Guide
Transporting infectious substances by air is a highly regulated process requiring precision, training, and compliance. When dealing with UN3373 infectious substances, which fall under Category B, following the correct procedures is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical safety measure for everyone involved in the air cargo chain. This blog breaks down what UN3373 is, why it matters, and how Logicom Hub helps professionals gain the required certification.
🌐 What Is a UN3373 Biological Substance?
UN3373 refers to Category B biological substances. These are biological materials such as blood, tissue, or swabs that are known or suspected to contain pathogens. Unlike Category A (e.g., Ebola or SARS), Category B substances present a lower risk of causing permanent disability or life-threatening disease in healthy individuals. Still, their handling and transport must adhere to strict international standards.
Examples of UN3373 biological substances include:
- COVID-19 test samples
- Influenza or measles swabs
- Routine diagnostic tissue samples
- DNA test kits or patient specimens
Want to understand how biological substances compare with other DG types? Read our blog on Classifying Dangerous Goods.
🔒 Why UN3373 Biological Substance Regulations Matter
The transportation of UN3373 biological substances is governed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), and local civil aviation authorities such as the UK’s CAA. Mismanagement can lead to:
- Fines and regulatory action
- In-flight incidents or cargo contamination
- Rejected shipments and operational delays
According to Logicom Hub’s learner manual, these rules ensure that dangerous goods do not pose a threat to handlers, passengers, or the environment during transport.
📆 Who Needs UN3373 Infectious Substance Training?
If your job involves preparing, packaging, accepting, or transporting diagnostic biological substances, you need to be trained. This includes:
- Laboratory technicians
- Medical couriers
- Airport cargo staff
- Freight forwarders and logistics agents
Logicom Hub’s online UN3373 training ensures compliance with ICAO and IATA and covers everything needed to prepare shipments safely and legally.
🛋️ UN3373 Biological Substance Packaging Requirements
Packaging is one of the most critical elements in UN3373 compliance. The IATA DGR specifies Packing Instruction 650, which outlines a triple-layer system:
- Primary receptacle: Leakproof container holding the biological substance
- Secondary packaging: Leakproof with absorbent material
- Outer packaging: Rigid, at least 100 mm x 100 mm
All components must withstand pressure differentials and temperatures from -40°C to 55°C. If using dry ice (UN1845), the outer packaging must allow for venting.
💼 UN3373 Biological Substance Labeling & Marking
Proper labeling is essential for shipment acceptance. Packages must include:
- The diamond-shaped UN3373 label
- Proper shipping name: “Biological Substance, Category B”
- Name and phone number of a responsible person
- Full shipper and consignee address in English
Labels must be placed on the same side as the shipping name and sized according to IATA 7.1.4.4.1.
📤 UN3373 Biological Substance Documentation
Unlike other dangerous goods, UN3373 shipments do not require a Shipper’s Declaration. However, the Air Waybill (AWB) must include:
- “UN3373, Biological Substance, Category B”
- Net quantity
- Dry ice (if used), with quantity and UN1845 marking
Carriers may also request the name of the responsible person and emergency contact. Documentation accuracy ensures smooth acceptance by the operator and avoids delays.
📚 Inside Logicom Hub’s UN3373 Biological Substance Course
Logicom Hub’s online training consists of six modules:
- Applicability of the Regulations
- Limitations & hidden dangerous goods
- Classification & Identification
- Packing Requirements
- Marking & Labelling
- Documentation & Handling
The course is self-paced, interactive, and aligned with current IATA DGR standards. After successful completion of a final invigilated exam, learners receive a certificate accepted by regulators such as the UK CAA.
✅ Why Choose Logicom Hub for UN3373
Biological Substance Training?
- Fully online and flexible – train on your schedule
- Interactive content – visuals, assessments, and case studies
- Up-to-date material – aligned with 2025 IATA DGR
- Expert guidance – optional coaching before the exam
Our goal is to help learners apply knowledge confidently and safely in their workplace, reducing risk and ensuring legal compliance. Learn more in our Top 10 Dangerous Goods Mistakes blog.
🚀 Get Certified to Ship UN3373 Biological Substances
Whether you’re shipping swabs, blood samples, or vaccine vials, you need to know the rules. With Logicom Hub’s online UN3373 infectious substance training, you’ll gain the knowledge, certification, and confidence to do it right.
🔗 Enroll in UN3373 Training Today
Explore more at our Dangerous Goods Blog.