PHMSA plays a leading role in ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous materials in commerce throughout the United States.  As a result of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, certain shipments of COVID-19 diagnostic samples (e.g., nasal swabs, vials of sputum, and other related items) are classified as a Category B infectious substance (Division 6.2) hazardous material under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). 

Recent compliance inspections and found several instances of improperly marked or packaged diagnostic samples that were offered for transportation.  In response, PHMSA is issuing this Safety Advisory Notice to provide information on the HMR related to offering and transporting these materials.