WHO updates international guidance on the safe transport of infectious substances (2025–2026)
The WHO has released new technical guidance, effective from 1 October 2025, to strengthen biosafety and regulatory harmonization in the transport of infectious substances.
In 2026, WHO published the document Guidance on regulations for the transport of infectious substances 2025–2026, providing an updated framework to ensure the safe transport of infectious materials in an increasingly complex global environment.
The guidance aligns with international regulations and United Nations model frameworks, promoting consistency across international, regional and national regulatory systems.
It includes detailed procedures for classification and packaging—such as the triple packaging system—as well as requirements for marking, labelling and documentation. The document also outlines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders and addresses training, risk management, incident response, and regulatory considerations.
This publication is a key resource for biosafety professionals, supporting regulatory compliance and safe practices in the transport of infectious substances, thereby contributing to public health protection.
Source: Guidance on regulations for the transport of infectious substances 2025–2026