GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Biological Substance Freight Transportation

The transport of biological substances covers the carriage of diagnostic specimens, cell cultures, vaccines and potentially infectious materials under strict safety and regulatory conditions.

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Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/

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Definition & Explanation

The transport of biological substances covers the carriage of diagnostic specimens, cell cultures, vaccines and potentially infectious materials under strict safety and regulatory conditions. The governing international frameworks are the UN classification system – most notably UN 3373 for Category B biological substances and UN 2814 / UN 2900 for Category A infectious substances – together with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, which prescribe packaging, labelling and documentation in detail. Freight forwarders, laboratories and shippers share responsibility for maintaining the cold chain, preventing leakage and ensuring full traceability throughout the shipment. Unlike general temperature-controlled freight, biological substance consignments always fall under dangerous goods rules and frequently require import or export permits from competent authorities.