The Department of Transportation has issued a final rule that, effective Aug. 25, will amend the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations to harmonize U.S. laws with numerous international standards. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said this rule will help to streamline international shipping, untangle supply chains, and save U.S. consumers approximately $250 million over the next ten years in costs related to the shipment of goods.
DOT states that this rule improves safety; streamlines the transport of hazardous materials, including medical supplies, batteries, and components used in manufacturing, by allowing the transport of more goods in fewer trips; and encourages shippers to package goods more efficiently. DOT adds that this rule “helps lessen the economic disadvantages faced by American companies that, when competing in foreign markets, are forced to comply with different or conflicting requirements or forgo exporting to internationally altogether.”
Specific highlights of this rule include the following.
- authorization for the highway or rail transportation of a hazardous material within the U.S. pursuant to a temporary certificate issued under Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations
- updated standards for the manufacture, use, and certification of pressure vessels used to transport essential gases for medical, manufacturing, and other uses
- updated requirements for the transportation of damaged or defective lithium batteries
- an improved process for recycling or disposing of small gas or fuel cell cartridges
- updated packaging construction provisions to help reduce delays and interruptions of hazardous materials during transportation
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