What Is a Class 6.2 Infectious Substance Label? US Transport Overview

Class 6.2 Infectious Substance Label A dangerous-goods hazard label used to communicate the transport hazard classification represented by 'Class 6.2 Infectious Substance Label'.

The Class 6.2 Infectious Substance Label marks packages that contain infectious substances—biological materials capable of causing disease in humans or animals when transported. In U.S. and international transport regulations this label signals to carriers, handlers, and emergency responders that the contents require specific packaging, documentation, and handling controls defined by regulatory bodies such as the DOT/PHMSA, IATA, and the UN Model Regulations.

What The Label Covers

The label applies to infectious substances divided into two primary categories under transport rules:

• Label: Category A infectious substances—materials capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease (e.g., certain clinical isolates of virulent pathogens). These require the full Class 6.2 diamond or a specified label with UN number and packing instructions.
• Label: Category B infectious substances—materials posing a lower risk (e.g., routine clinical specimens) and normally labeled with UN 3373 rather than the Category A markings.

Regulations also distinguish between diagnostic specimens, research samples, and biological products; each classification has distinct packaging, marking, and documentation requirements.

Why The Label Matters

The label does three operational jobs: it signals hazard classification for compliance, directs packaging and transport controls, and informs emergency and medical responders. A properly applied Class 6.2 label reduces the risk of exposure during routine handling, incident response, and inspections by regulatory agencies. Carriers use the label to apply appropriate segregation and stowage, and shippers rely on it to meet legal obligations and avoid fines or shipment refusal.

How The Labeling Requirements Vary

Label size, wording, and placement vary by mode of transport and whether the substance is Category A or B. Key variables include:

• Label: Mode of transport—air shipments must comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations in addition to DOT rules; certain air carriers have more restrictive policies.
• Label: Category designation—Category A shipments display the specific Class 6.2 diamond/label with UN number and proper shipper documentation; Category B uses the UN 3373 marking and may require a different label size.
• Label: Package size and orientation—labels must be visible on at least one main surface, and minimum dimensions apply for readability and scanner compatibility.

Who Is Responsible

Multiple parties share responsibility for correct labeling and carriage:

• Shipper: Classifies the material, selects appropriate packaging, applies the class label and markings, completes required documentation (e.g., Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods when needed), and ensures carrier acceptance.
• Carrier: Verifies documentation and markings, may refuse non-compliant shipments, and ensures proper handling and segregation during transport.
• Consignee: Receives the shipment and follows local protocols for receipt, storage, and disposal of infectious substances.

Practical Example

A clinical lab shipping a confirmed virulent viral isolate (Category A) by air to a reference laboratory must use UN-approved triple packaging, affix the Class 6.2 diamond with the applicable UN number, include a completed Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, and coordinate with the carrier’s acceptance procedures. A routine diagnostic swab (Category B) going by ground courier may be packed according to UN 3373 guidance and marked with the UN 3373 designation instead of the Category A Class 6.2 diamond.

Tips For Warehouse And Logistics Teams

• Label: Train staff on the difference between Category A and B; misclassification is the most common compliance failure.
• Label: Keep current references to DOT/PHMSA and IATA guidance readily available at dispatch and shipping desks.
• Label: Implement a checklist for documentation, packaging, and labeling before carrier pickup to avoid rejections and fines.

In short, the Class 6.2 Infectious Substance Label communicates a transport hazard class that triggers specific packaging, documentation, and handling obligations under U.S. and international regulations. Accurate classification and consistent application of the label protect workers, carriers, and the public while ensuring regulatory compliance.