IATA packing instruction 650, PI620 and PI954
Key takeaways
PI650 applies to Biological substance, Category B. PI620 applies to Category A infectious substances.
PI954 addresses dry ice and can apply alongside a biological packing instruction.
Classify the contents before choosing the package, labels or documents.
Customs permits, material classification and airline acceptance are separate checks.
IATA packing instruction 650, usually written PI650, covers air shipments of Biological substance, Category B. PI620 covers Category A infectious substances. PI954 covers dry ice. These instructions address different hazards, so a refrigerated biological shipment can require both a biological instruction and the dry ice instruction.
Choose the instruction after classifying the material. The sample's name, a freezer location or a laboratory's usual box does not establish its transport category.
Start with the material, then assess the refrigerant
IATA biological samples packaging begins with a classification decision by competent personnel. Some specimens qualify for an exemption, some meet Category B criteria and others meet Category A criteria. A routine diagnostic purpose does not automatically establish Category B, and Category B does not mean a sample is harmless.
The WHO transport guidance for 2025–2026 explains the wider classification and packaging framework. Air shipments must also meet the current IATA rules, relevant state requirements and operator variations. Packaging compliance does not replace import permits or customs clearance.
Compare PI650, PI620 and PI954
The table separates the sample hazard from the cooling hazard. It is a selection aid rather than a complete packout instruction.
Instruction | Applies to | Packaging focus | Hazard communication and documents |
|---|---|---|---|
PI650 | Biological substance, Category B | Triple packaging meeting the instruction's performance requirements | Category B identification and applicable air waybill information. No dangerous goods declaration for Category B alone |
PI620 | Category A infectious substances | Approved UN specification infectious-substance packaging used within its tested configuration | Applicable infectious-substance hazard label, identification and dangerous goods declaration |
PI954 | Dry ice used as a refrigerant or shipped as a commodity | Gas release, cold-temperature suitability and package integrity | Dry ice identification, Class 9 label and net mass. Documentation depends on the complete consignment |
PI954 can sit alongside either biological instruction. Its presence does not change the sample's classification, and a compliant sample package does not remove dry ice requirements.
PI650 packaging for Category B material
IATA PI650 uses primary receptacles, secondary packaging and rigid outer packaging. For liquids, leakage resistance, sufficient absorbent material and the specified pressure-differential capability are important. The detailed requirements differ for liquids and solids, including quantity and test provisions.
The term “IATA 650” refers to the same instruction, not a separate certification scheme. Use the packaging manufacturer's closure and assembly instructions. A box with the right mark can still be incorrectly assembled. Mercury's biological shipment classification guide covers the category distinctions in more detail.
Packing instruction 620 for Category A material
PI620 requires the higher-performance packaging system specified for Category A infectious substances. The primary and secondary components, absorbent material where needed, outer package and closure method form a tested system. Replacing a component can invalidate the configuration.
The shipment also requires the relevant infectious-substance identification, labeling and declaration. Aircraft-specific quantity limits and operator acceptance must be checked for the actual material. For the detailed identification distinction, see Mercury's UN2814/UN2900 comparison.
PI954 addresses the dry ice
The IATA dry ice packing instruction requires a package that releases carbon dioxide gas without dangerous pressure buildup. The packaging must remain suitable as coolant is consumed. Dry ice should not compromise the primary or secondary sample containment.
A dry ice shipment normally needs the relevant UN identification, proper shipping name, net mass in kilograms and Class 9 hazard label. When it cools goods that are not otherwise subject to a dangerous goods declaration, an air waybill entry can satisfy the applicable documentation provisions. When the consignment includes Category A material, the dangerous goods declaration must account for the complete shipment as required.
For the practical refrigerant workflow, use Mercury's how to ship with dry ice guide. Confirm the operator's permitted amount and acceptance conditions before dispatch.
A selection sequence for a mixed shipment
Use one coordinated review rather than selecting three instructions independently:
Classify each sample and determine whether an exemption, Category B or Category A applies.
Select the biological package and verify its tested assembly and quantity limits.
Assess dry ice and any other dangerous goods separately, including battery-powered equipment where relevant.
Reconcile the marks, labels, air waybill and any dangerous goods declaration.
Check permits, route-specific restrictions, operator acceptance and receiving arrangements.
A Category B sample cooled by dry ice illustrates the combined approach: PI650 protects the biological contents, while PI954 addresses the refrigerant. Neither instruction establishes that the destination allows the import or that the receiving laboratory will be open. Release the shipment only when the contents, packaging, documentation and delivery plan agree.
