Dengue Virus Transport: International and Domestic within Japan (Infectious Diseases Control Law: Specified Pathogens, etc. / IATA DGR)
Key Points for Transporting Dengue Virus
The transport of Dengue virus (DENV) must comply with the following laws and regulations, depending on the mode and route of transport.
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (Category A / UN 2814)
Infectious Diseases Control Law (Class 4 Specified Pathogens)
Here are the key points regarding the transport of dengue virus.
- . Key Points for Transporting Dengue Virus
- 1. Compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations – Dengue Virus Transport –
- 1.1. Key Packing Requirements
- 1.2. Key Document Creation Requirements
- 2. Compliance with Transport Regulations for Specified Pathogens under the Infectious Diseases Control Act – Dengue Virus Transport –
- 2.1. Packing and Vehicle Requirements
- 3. FAQ & Consultations
Compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations – Dengue Virus Transport –
Dengue virus (DENV) falls under Category A, UN 2814 ("INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE, AFFECTING HUMANS").
Therefore, when transporting it by air, whether internationally or domestically within Japan, packaging and documentation must be prepared in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Additionally, depending on the quantity being transported, the types of flights that can be arranged (such as passenger aircraft or cargo-only aircraft) will vary.
Key Packing Requirements
- Use triple packaging.
- Prepare UN-certified packaging specifically designed for Category A, and always use it as a complete set. (UN-certified packaging for Category B / UN 3373 cannot be used.)
- Place dry ice or refrigerants outside the tertiary (outer) packaging. (When using an overpack, required labels and markings must also be displayed on the outside of the overpack.)
- Clearly mark shipper, consignee, emergency contact information, and net quantity on the tertiary packaging.
- Affix required labels, such as Category A infectious substance label and orientation ("This Side Up") labels.
Key Document Creation Requirements
- Preparation of Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (commonly known as DGD) is mandatory.
- Inclusion of "Dangerous Goods as per associated Shipper's Declaration" on the AWB.
- Consistency between Invoice, Packing List, and DGD.
- Consistency between markings/information on the tertiary and outer packaging and all accompanying documents.
If packaging and documentation are not prepared in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, the shipment will be rejected. To avoid unnecessary issues such as temperature excursions, we recommend entrusting your transport arrangements to knowledgeable specialists.
Compliance with Transport Regulations for Specified Pathogens under the Infectious Diseases Control Act – Dengue Virus Transport –
Dengue virus (DENV) is classified as a Class IV Pathogen under Japan's Infectious Diseases Control Law. Since June 2007 , to prevent bioterrorism as well as the outbreak and spread of serious infectious diseases, Japan has operated a system that manages and regulates pathogens and toxins that pose a risk to the lives and health of its citizens. Under this system, pathogens are categorized from Class I to Class IV, with specific regulations established regarding their possession, importation, and transportation.
| Class I Pathogens | Class II Pathogens | Class III Pathogens | Class IV Pathogens | |
| Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, etc. | Yersinia pestis (Plague), Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), Botulinum toxin, etc. | Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Tuberculosis), Rabies virus, Hantavirus, etc. | Coronavirus, Vibrio cholerae (Cholera), Dengue virus, etc. | |
| Importation | Prohibited in principle | Permission Required (Prior Application) | Notification Required (Must notify within 7 days) | No Procedure Required |
| Possession | Prohibited in principle | Permission Required (Prior Application) | Notification Required (Must notify within 7 days) | No Procedure Required |
| Transportation | Notification to the Public Safety Commission | Notification to the Public Safety Commission | Notification to the Public Safety Commission | No Procedure Required |
When transporting Class IV Pathogens within Japan, there is no requirement to submit a prior transportation notification to the Public Safety Commission; however, compliance with transportation standards is mandatory.
Furthermore, regulations on the transportation of specific pathogens under the Infectious Diseases Control Law apply only to land transportation. When transporting via aircraft or vessels, the Civil Aeronautics Act or the Ship Safety Act applies respectively.
Packing and Vehicle Requirements
- Use triple packaging.
- Prepare UN-certified packaging (UN specification packaging) designated exclusively for Category A and use it as a complete set. (Category B / UN3373 UN-certified packaging cannot be used.)
- Equip the transport vehicle with emergency supplies in case of accidental leakage, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), disinfectants, and plastic tarps (blue sheets).
- Secure the container holding the specimen with a padlock and fasten it inside the vehicle using a chain lock.
FAQ & Consultations
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What is UN-certified packaging (UN specification packaging)?
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It refers to packaging that has passed safety standards (UN standards) based on recommendations established by the United Nations (UN) and is approved for the transport and storage of dangerous goods. These containers have cleared rigorous performance tests, such as drop tests, leak proofness tests, internal pressure (hydraulic) tests, and stacking tests, and are stamped or printed with a "UN Mark" indicating the applicable dangerous goods packing group, pressure resistance, year of manufacture, and other specifications.
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I am unable to procure UN-certified packaging (UN specification packaging) on my own.
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Jet8 offers a wide range of UN-certified packaging in various sizes. Please feel free to consult with us.
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I want to import Dengue virus samples from Africa, but procuring dry ice, UN-certified packaging, and thermal insulation materials seems difficult.
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Jet8 handles everything from procuring dry ice, UN-certified packaging, and thermal packaging materials to arranging transport. We also have an extensive track record of importing specimens from regions in Africa where dry ice is difficult to source. In addition to providing refrigerants and materials, we offer comprehensive door-to-door transport solutions covering on-site thermal packing, export documentation, export customs clearance, import customs clearance in Japan, and final delivery.
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I want to import Dengue virus samples from a research partner in the United States. Can you handle the process starting from local pickup?
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In addition to ensuring compliance with Japan’s Infectious Diseases Control Law and IATA DGR, Jet8 also researches local laws and regulations. Because many countries restrict the import and export of Category A viruses and bacteria from a biosecurity perspective, we provide full support starting from local documentation and permit applications.
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We do not have an in-house specialist, so handling the transport of Specified Pathogens or UN2814 is difficult.
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Jet8 has many staff members who have completed official training courses and hold certificates from IATA-accredited Dangerous Goods Training seminars. You can leave the process to us with confidence.
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Do clinical specimens (such as blood or urine samples) from patients with diseases classified under Specified Pathogens or UN2814 need to be transported in accordance with the Infectious Diseases Control Law or IATA DGR?
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Generally, these regulations apply when transporting the actual viruses or bacteria classified under Specified Pathogens or UN2814. However, depending on the case, patient clinical specimens may also be subject to the Infectious Diseases Control Law or IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Please consult with us first.
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Do the pathogens regulated as Specified Pathogens match the pathogens classified under Category A?
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No, they do not completely match. Some viruses and toxins are classified as Specified Pathogens even though they are not on the Category A infectious substances list. Additionally, because the classification of Specified Pathogens is subject to revision, determinations must be made based on the latest information from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the United Nations (UN).
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Management Regulations for Specified Pathogens under the Infectious Diseases Control Law (Detailed Version)
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There are no special precautions to take when transporting Class 4 Specified Pathogens within Japan, right?
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While notification to the Public Safety Commission and accompaniment by a qualified specialist are not required, you must still comply with the statutory transport standards.
If you need assistance with the domestic within Japan or international transport of Dengue virus (DENV), please feel free to consult with us.
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