"In addition to the “TIME AND TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE” text I suggest we add “DO NOT DELAY”.  Time and Temperature Sensitive tells you what the product is; Do Not Delay tells you what to do with it." - G. P., Northwest Airlines

Unlike dangerous goods, there is no industry standard labeling to communicate the handling of temperature-sensitive medicinal packages in transport. Multiple variations of labels alerting handlers to the sensitive nature of the contents have been proposed and incorporated over the years, but with limited success. You have seen them, I'm sure: penguins, penguins with a red bar across them, even dead penguins. There are sun rays, rooftops, umbrellas, snowflakes, raindrops, etc. All of which communicate specific handling concerns related to environmental sensitivities, but for the most part, they are ignored.

On the other hand, many pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors of drugs prefer not to apply any labeling or marking to their packages which may draw unwanted attention as to the contents of the package. Therein lies the dilemma.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers, freight forwarders and the airlines have a shared responsibility to provide and follow proper handling procedures. In the airlines view, a label or marking on the shipping container would provide the best, surest, and safest means of communicating the time / temperature sensitivity of freight from the healthcare industry.

In chapter 17.9 of the new Perishable Cargo Regulations, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states: "although not mandatory, it is recommended that such a label would help expedite the movement of the cargo and avoid inadvertent and improper storage of passive and active systems."

They have provided some examples of labels that: "communicate both the time and temperature sensitive needs of products from the healthcare sector."

The following are examples of labels / markings proposed by IATA with input from several pharmaceutical manufacturers. What IATA would really like is more feedback from all sides of the transportation industry and shippers of these types of products, so that they can implement a label requirement for purposes of uniformly improving the handling procedures by their members.

I've already weighed in on the topic and think it is a good approach to tightening the gap and improving the delivery of medicinal products.

Acceptable Dimensions: 10 cm width x 15 cm  in height (4 x 6 inches) or 7 cm in width x 10 cm in height (3 x 4 inches)

I am in favor of Figure 17.9.C. for multiple reasons.

Looking at it from an airline's perspective: it is distinguishable from several meters away; a distance where freight handlers are most likely to see it. Handlers don't generally read or have access to way bills containing special instructions or shippers SOP's.

Just as dangerous goods labels are immediately identifiable by their shape (diamond) and color (red for flammable, yellow for oxidizer and radioactive, green for non-flammable gas, etc.) so too, is the triangular shape (universal for caution) and 'cool' blue color.

The blue hashed border is similar to the red border forms required on airway bills alerting the handler that the package may have special handling requirements.

The stylized thermometer and stop watch are obvious enough and the text "Time & Temperature Sensitive", although in English, is not a concern to IATA as English is the universal language of that organization. 

17.9.A is too busy in my opinion and 17.9.B is not unique enough in its geometry to distinguish it from any other label or marking that may be on the package.

You can voice your concerns and opinions about the label/markings suggested in the 7Th Edition of the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations by contacting Eric Raemdonk, Secretary of the Live Animals & Perishables Board for IATA at RAEMDONCKE@iata.org or by posting your comments here. I will see to it that they are forwarded on to IATA.

 Figure 17.9.A

Figure 17.9. B

Figure 17.9.C