Which classification should be assigned to an Exempt human specimen for a tissue sample shipped under the described conditions?

Which classification should be assigned to an Exempt human specimen for a tissue sample shipped under the described conditions?

• A. Exempt Human Specimen
• B. Dangerous Goods
• C. Nonhazardous
• D. Not Applicable

Answer: (A)

Exempt shipments are a recognized category in IATA DG Regulations for biological materials that do not pose an infectious risk and meet specific conditions. When a tissue sample from a human is known to be non-infectious or not capable of causing disease under the transport conditions, the proper classification is Exempt Human Specimen. This label communicates that the shipment is not regulated as dangerous goods and is handled under the exemption provisions, which still require adequate containment to prevent leakage and protect handlers. Using this classification avoids treating the item as Dangerous Goods, while also not implying it’s simply “nonhazardous” under DG terms. It also isn’t appropriate to say it’s Not Applicable, since the exemption category exists precisely to cover such shipments.