TSA Publishes Temporary HME Renewal Exemption

Yesterday, the Transportation Security Administration published a notice in the Federal Register (87 FR 56692-56693) concerning “Exemption From Renewal of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Security Threat Assessment for Certain Individuals”. This is a temporary renewal exemption for HME’s expiring before December 27^th, 2022.

According to the notice Summary:

“TSA has determined it is in the public interest to grant the exemption at this time to ensure that the HME renewal process does not exacerbate the current difficulties with the transfer and movement of cargo nationwide and at the ports. TSA may extend this exemption depending on HME enrollment volumes and supply chain challenges.”

TSA notes that enrollments for HMEs have increased from approximately 15,000 per month to 20,000 per month in calendar years 2021 and 2022. “The increased demand for HMEs, as well as other credentialling requiring STAs conducted by TSA, has increased processing times for some individuals with potential disqualifying factors. Some applications require 60 days for TSA to complete the adjudication of potential disqualifying factors and make an eligibility determination.”

TSA explains that: “This exemption permits states to extend the expiration date for an HME for up to 180 days for eligible individuals with an HME that expires between July 1, 2022 and December 27, 2022, even if the individual did not initiate or complete submission of required information for an STA at least 60 days before expiration of the HME.”