Which substance is categorized as a high consequence dangerous good?

• A. Category A
• B. Category B
• C. Exempt Human Specimens
• D. Genetically modified organisms/microorganisms

Answer: (A)

When thinking about how infectious substances are classified for shipping, there are two main categories that reflect how dangerous they are. The top tier, Category A, includes materials that, if exposure occurs, could cause a life‑threatening disease or permanent disability. Because of that serious risk, shipments in this category must meet the strictest packaging, labeling, and handling requirements.

Category B covers infectious substances that cause disease but are not in the same high‑risk tier, so the regulations are less stringent. Exempt Human Specimens are not treated as dangerous goods under the same rules, as long as they meet certain conditions and don’t contain infectious substances that trigger the higher category. Genetically modified organisms/microorganisms are regulated in biosafety terms and aren’t automatically classified as high consequence dangerous goods under these transport rules unless they meet the criteria for Category A infectious substances.

So the high consequence category is Category A.