When shipping Category B infectious substances by air, which documentation is required?

When shipping Category B infectious substances by air, which documentation is required?

• A. An itemized list of contents and air waybill
• B. A full safety data sheet and packing list
• C. Only a commercial invoice
• D. No documents are required

Answer: (A)

When shipping Category B infectious substances by air, you must have the air waybill and an itemized list of contents. The air waybill is the official transport document used by airlines and authorities to track and route the shipment, while the itemized contents list provides a precise breakdown of what is inside the package, including the number and type of items. This combination ensures proper handling, regulatory verification, and any necessary emergency response information.

A full safety data sheet is not required for Category B infectious substances, as SDSs pertain to chemical hazards and do not substitute the required transport documentation. A commercial invoice alone does not furnish the essential hazard and contents details, and having no documents would be non-compliant and unsafe.