NMFC 56400 - Medical & Surgical Supply Group | Class N/A

Note 56401: NOTE-Does not apply on any commodity which is defined and specified as medical waste in Federal regulations. For applicable class, see item 101682.

To find the correct freight class for your shipment:

1. Use NMFC 56400 only as the supply group header; reference the exact item from Note 56401 on your BOL to avoid reclass.
2. Document materials and packaging: e.g., stainless instruments in foam-lined cartons, sterile kits in corrugated shippers, or crated cabinets.
3. Separate fragile or sterile contents from dense hardware; add inner dividers for dental burs or vials, and keep UDI/lot labels visible.
4. Confirm non-hazardous status for each component; alcohol pads or reagents may be classified elsewhere even though 56400 itself is non-haz.

Note: All classifications are subject to Item 170. Verify with official NMFC publications for the most current requirements.

• Prevents costly reclassifications by tying shipments to the precise Note 56401 item.
• Reduces damage claims with packaging matched to medical devices, trays, and sterile kits.
• Accelerates quoting and tendering since carriers see the correct NMFC path, not a generic group.
• Improves hospital dock throughput by preserving sterile barriers and clear labeling for receiving checks.