PHMSA finalizes HM-215Q

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued the Final Rule HM-215Q: Hazardous Materials: Harmonization with International Standards. The amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) (49 CFR parts 171-180) were added to align with international regulations and standards. Some of the amendments include changes to:

• Proper shipping names,
• Hazard classes,
• Packing groups,
• Special provisions,
• Packaging authorizations,
• Air transport quantity limitations, and
• Vessel stowage requirements.

PHMSA expects these amendments to help increase transportation efficiency and maintain the high safety standard of the HMR. In addition, these amendments may also help lower greenhouse gas emissions and other safety risks.

Noteworthy amendments

Some of the most notable amendments to the HM-215Q: Hazardous Materials: Harmonization with International Standards include:

• Incorporation by Reference: PHMSA is incorporating by reference updated versions of:
  • The 2023-2024 edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical Instructions),
  • Amendment 41-22 to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), and
  • The 22nd revised edition of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods—Model Regulations (UN Model Regulations).
• Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101): PHMSA is making changes to certain packing groups (PGs), special provisions (SPs), proper shipping names (PSNs), bulk packaging requirements, passenger and cargo-only aircraft maximum quantity limits, packaging authorizations, and hazard classes.
• Polymerizing Substances: PHMSA is removing the phaseout date (January 2, 2023) from the transport provisions for polymerizing substances to allow for continued use of the provisions.
• Cobalt dihydroxide powder containing not less than 10 percent respirable particles: PHMSA is adding, “UN3550 Cobalt dihydroxide powder, containing not less than 10% respirable particles,” to HMT, along with information on corresponding packaging provisions.
• Lithium Battery Exceptions: PHMSA is removing the exceptions for small lithium cells and batteries for transportation by aircraft.

The rule is effective May 10, 2024, with delayed compliance until April 10, 2025.