Class 6 Toxic & Infectious Substances Explained | NZ Dangerous Goods Guide

What Are Class 6 Dangerous Goods?

Class 6 dangerous goods include substances that can cause serious injury, illness or death if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, as well as substances that may contain pathogens capable of causing disease in humans or animals.

These materials present significant health risks during handling, storage and transport and are strictly regulated under dangerous goods transport rules in New Zealand and internationally.

Class 6 is divided into two divisions based on the type of hazard.

Class 6 Divisions

Class 6.1: Toxic Substances

Class 6.1 substances are materials that can cause serious harm, long term health effects or death if:

  • Swallowed Inhaled
  • Absorbed through the skin


These substances may be poisonous even in small quantities.

Common examples: Pesticides, cyanide compounds, methanol, mercury compounds, rat poison.

Class 6.2: Infectious Substances

Class 6.2 substances are materials that contain or are reasonably expected to contain pathogens, which are microorganisms that can cause disease in humans or animals. 

Pathogens include:
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses 
  • Parasites
  • Fungi

Common examples: Clinical waste, blood samples, laboratory cultures, medical specimens, used needles and sharps.

Dangerous Goods Training (NZ)

If you ship toxic, infectious or other dangerous goods by road, proper training is required under NZS 5433 and the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005.

Enrol in our online training:

Shippers of Dangerous Goods by Road (NZ)
We are an online training platform that helps shippers and professionals understand and comply with dangerous goods requirements.

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