Which packing instruction applies to Category A Infectious Substances shipped by air?

• A. 620
• B. 650
• C. 954
• D. 959

Answer: (A)

For air shipments, Category A infectious substances must be packed under Packing Instruction 620. This designation exists because Category A substances are capable of causing severe disease or death if exposure occurs, so the packaging must provide the highest level of containment. Packing Instruction 620 specifies a triple packaging approach: a leak-proof primary container, a leak-proof secondary packaging with absorbent material, and a rigid outer packaging that can withstand normal handling and pressure changes during flight. It also covers labeling and documentation requirements, such as using the correct UN numbers (for example, UN 2814 for substances that affect humans) and the appropriate shipping papers.

The other numbers correspond to different packaging rules used for other types or categories of materials, so they do not apply to Category A infectious substances shipped by air.