Infectious substances have been regulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) since the very early 1970's. In the US, etiologic agents (Infectious Substances) have been regulated since September 30, 1972 by the U.S. Department of Transport. Canada finally regulated the Transport of Infectious Substances when the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations became effective during July 1985.

Enforcement has been an evolutionary process and in the beginning was, for the most part, ignored by the shippers of Infectious Substances. Some carriers tried to enforce the IATA DGR but received very little help. The first generation of regulations were probably unenforceable even if the authorities had understood them. The present situation however is undergoing a process of rapid change. Liability and criminal risks have become unacceptable to the shippers as a whole and progress is being made in both compliance and enforcement.

Corporate Links

European Distribution

Regulatory Links

Austrailia
Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services

Canada
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations
Basic competency checklist for transporting dangerous goods
Public Health Agency of Canada - Lab Biosafety Guidelines
Public Health Agency of Canada - Application for Permit to Import Human Pathogen(s)

USA
U.S. Department of Transport
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
Code of Federal Regulations
Notice of Final Rule change October 1st 2006
CDC-Laboratory Information for Chemical Emergencies
CDC-Etiologic Agent Import Permit Program
CDC-Select Agent Program

Other Non-Regulatory Links
Material Safety Data Sheets on Infectious Agents ( Office of Laboratory Security)
ABSA-American Biological Safety Association
American Society for Microbiology
ABSA Canada
Dangerous Goods Advisory Council
HEALTHmap - Global disease alert mapping system