Search

USPS Revises Infectious Substances Shipping Rules

Posted on 4/27/2020 by Roger Marks

USPS has revised its Publication 52 regulations for mailing Category B Infectious Substances “to support the rapid deployment of coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnostic tests…”

These regulations are found in Publication 52, Appendix C, Packaging Instruction 6C for Category B Infectious Substances.

USPS added a new section to the Proper Shipping Name and ID Number section that reads in part:

All shippers of COVID-19 related UN3373 Category B infectious Substances must obtain an authorization from the Postal Service before mailing.

USPS also revised the following sections of the Publication 52, Appendix C, Packaging Instruction 6C for Category B Infectious Substances:
  • Packaging requirements for primary, secondary, and outer containers
  • Marking packages containing Category B infectious substances
  • Documentation and instructions that mailers must provide

USPS added a second bullet point to the Required Packaging section that imposes a drop testing requirement for completed packagings containing Category B Infectious Substances, reading:

The completed triple packaging must be capable of successfully passing the drop test in 49 CFR 178.609(d) at a drop height of at least 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). Following the drop test, there must be no leakage from the primary receptacle, which must remain protected by absorbent materials, when required, in the secondary packaging.

The revisions are intended to facilitate the distribution and collection of coronavirus test kits as the US works to ramp-up testing.

Read the full USPS announcement in the April 23, 2020 Postal Bulletin. 

Also in April 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released guidance related to COVID-19 and transporting infectious substances.   

Hazmat Postal Shipper Training 

Learn to navigate USPS’s unique Publication 52 requirements to ship hazardous materials by US mail within the US. Build on your 49 CFR expertise and learn the additional USPS restrictions and requirements that apply to hazardous materials like flammable liquids, toxic substances, medical samples, dry ice, and more. USPS hazmat shipper training course

This 60 minute course answers questions like: 

  • What kind of hazardous materials are allowed in the mail? 
  • What types and amounts of hazmat will USPS carry and deliver?
  • How do I know if USPS will accept my package?
  • How do I package, mark, label, and document hazmat for USPS delivery?
  • What reliefs are in place for very small quantities of hazmat?​
Learn more about the Hazmat Postal Shipper course. 

Tags: hazmat shipping, new rules, Publication 52, USPS

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.