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 took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

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

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

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

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Spot and correct 4 of the most common universal waste errors before they result in a notice of violation during a Federal or state inspection.

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.