The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration published a new final rule on July 26, 2022, HM-215P, to better align U.S. and international hazardous materials (dangerous goods) regulations.
The rule, Docket No. PHMSA-2019-0030 (HM-215P), “Hazardous Materials: Harmonization with International Standards,” was published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2022, and can be found here. The rule goes into effect on August 25, 2022.
DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) Periodically publishes a lengthy regulation intended to ensure relative harmony between U.S. hazmat regulations and those adopted by nearly all the world’s major industrial economies. Harmonization efforts ensure that international trade in regulated commodities, such as paints, chemicals, lithium batteries, etc., is safe and efficient.
Why it matters: The new rule contains several significant changes impacting the industrial packaging industry, including:
- Transportation of certain empty IBCs from Canada to the U.S., or from the U.S. to Canada, without placarding on trucks.
- Compatibility requirements for aluminum drums and metal drums other than steel or aluminum.
- Composite IBC marking. PHMSA has added two new provisions to the IBC marking section of the HMR, which affect composite IBCs.
- Metal IBC wall thickness. DOT has revised the minimum wall thickness requirements for metal IBCs with a volume of 1500 L (496 gallons) or less.
Yes, but: Do you need help understanding how these changes will impact your business? Consider joining a trade association like the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (RIPA) which educates its members about compliance with these changes.