GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Class 6 Dangerous Goods: Toxic and Infectious Substances
Freight forwarders and customs authorities treat Class 6 dangerous goods under two fundamentally different regulatory frameworks depending on which subdivision applies.
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Source: https://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/adr_e.html
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Definition & Explanation
Freight forwarders and customs authorities treat Class 6 dangerous goods under two fundamentally different regulatory frameworks depending on which subdivision applies. Class 6.1 covers toxic substances capable of causing acute or chronic harm through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact – including pesticides, solvents, and industrial chemicals. Class 6.2 encompasses infectious substances such as bacterial, viral, or fungal cultures that can transmit disease to humans or animals. Both subdivisions require separate documentation, correctly labelled and regulation-compliant packaging, and segregation within the vehicle or vessel. Class 6.2 shipments frequently involve cold-chain requirements given the temperature sensitivity of biological specimens. Toxic substances fall primarily under chemical regulations, whereas infectious materials are additionally subject to epidemiological rules and may trigger quarantine measures – a distinction that demands careful classification before any booking is confirmed.
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