BIOMEDICAL TRANSPORT REGULATIONS
We offer a comprehensive logistics service for the biomedical sector in strict compliance with current regulations and standards, both in terms of packaging and transport.
BIOMEDICAL TRANSPORT REGULATIONS
NORMATIVA SOBRE TRANSPORTE BIOMÉDICO
International regulations concerning the transport of infectious substances by all modes of transport are based on the recommendations of the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNCETDG), a committee of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. These recommendations are presented in the form of UN “Model Regulations” and are reflected in international legislation through the international transport regulations, although there may be slight variations at the national level.
The transport of biological substances is regulated by the various international regulations for the transport of dangerous goods, IATA by air, with the identification UN3373, RID by rail, ADR by land, IMO by sea, etc.
- Air transport: The legally binding international regulation is the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which apply to all international flights.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) publishes Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) which incorporate the ICAO provisions and may add additional restrictions depending on relevant national regulations. - Transport by rail: The Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) apply to countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and to inland transport between European Union countries.
- Road transport. The Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) covers more than 45 European countries and additional countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. In addition, modified versions of the convention are being implemented in South America and South East Asia.
- Maritime transport: The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is mandatory for the 155 signatories to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
- Postal items: The Letter Post Manual published by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) reflects the recommendations of the United Nations using the ICAO provisions as the basis for postal items.
The issue of dangerous goods transport regulations is of enormous importance, as ignorance of them can compromise safety and cause significant damage and financial penalties; the shipper is primarily responsible for compliance.
Transport of biological substances
Biological substances must be packed in such a way as to prevent loss of contents due to changes in temperature, vibration, humidity or pressure.
For the transport of hazardous substances or materials of class 6.2 (biological substances type A and B), it is essential to comply with the safety obligations of those involved in the handling, packaging and transport of hazardous goods, to mark and label the packages appropriately and to send the goods with the corresponding information and control documentation.
- Category A Biological Substance: An infectious substance which, when exposed, may cause permanent incapacity, endanger life or constitute a fatal disease in humans or animals.
- Category B Biological Substance: A biological substance that may cause disease but does not meet the criteria for inclusion in Category A.
In summary, it is necessary for shippers of biological or infectious goods or substances to seek advice from a dangerous goods transport safety advisor. For more information, please consult our specialised documentation and consultancy services.
