DMM Reference 601.10.17.7

Forensic material containing a biological material, such as tissue, body fluid, excreta, or secreta, and sent on behalf of a federal, state, local, or Indian tribal government agency must be packaged under 346.325 when it is not known or suspected to contain a Category A or Category B infectious substance. Forensic material known or suspected to contain a Category A infectious substance is not mailable. Forensic material known or suspected to contain a Category B infectious substance as identified in 346.321 is mailable with First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Express Mail service when triple-packaged in a primary receptacle, secondary container, and a rigid outer shipping container.

Proper Shipping Name

• Not applicable.

Mailability

• International Mail: A material that is classified as a Category B infectious substance and that meets the definition in 346.12a must be triple-packaged as identified in 346.324, meeting the packaging requirements in 49 CFR 173.199, and sent by First-Class Package International Service.
• Domestic Mail: Forensic material known or suspected to contain a Category B infectious substance as identified in 346.321 is mailable with First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Express Mail service.

Required Packaging

Primary Receptacle

• The forensic material must be held within a securely sealed primary receptacle. The primary receptacle must be surrounded by sufficient absorbent material (for liquids) and cushioning material to protect the primary container from breakage. The absorbent material must be capable of taking up the entire liquid contents of the primary receptacle in case of leakage. Each primary receptacle containing a solid must be siftproof. The primary receptacle must be marked with the international biohazard symbol shown in Exhibit 346.321.
• The primary receptacle and the absorbent and cushioning material must be enclosed in a watertight and securely sealed secondary container.

Secondary Container

The secondary container must be firmly and snugly packed within a strong outer shipping container that is securely sealed. The secondary container must also display the international biohazard symbol shown in Exhibit 346.321.

Outer Shipping Container

• The secondary container must fit snugly packed within a strong outer shipping container that is securely sealed.

Marking/Documentation

• A shipping paper and content markings on the outer shipping container are not required.
• Each mailpiece must have a complete delivery and return address.