PHMSA to align US Hazmat Rules to International Standards

Written By: Atanu Das on Wednesday, September 7, 2016

On August 24, 2016, the PHMSA issued the following brief:

Today, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking comment on proposed revisions to the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations to maintain alignment with international standards. The changes - which include revisions to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements - facilitate the safe transport of hazardous materials in international commerce. The proposed rule is based on recent revisions to the United Nations Model Regulations, International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, and the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. The U.N. Model Regulations are amended and updated biennially. Comments must be received on or before 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The proposed rulemaking has been transmitted to the Federal Register for publication. An actual date of publication will be determined by the Federal Register, but a preview of the rulemaking proposal transmitted by PHMSA is available on the agency's website. For more information on the U.S. DOT's efforts to improve hazardous materials safety and awareness, including details about the proposed rule, visit the PHMSA website at www.phmsa.dot.gov. Contact for media: Artealia Gilliard (202)366-4831.

Today, the Federal Register has been published and can be found here