Review - PHMSA Publishes HMR Harmonization Final Rule (HM-215Q)

Today, the DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule in the Federal Register (89 FR 25434-25490) on “Hazardous Materials: Harmonization With International Standards”. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on this action was published on May 30^th, 2023. Changes were made from the proposed language in the NPRM based upon public comments.

Significant changes from the NPRM include:

Phase-out dates for ISO Standards,

Gas mixtures containing fluorine, and

IBCs manufactured from recycled plastics

HMR Revisions

This final rule makes significant changes in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in the following areas:

Incorporation by reference,

Hazardous Materials Table,

Polymerizing substances,

Cobalt dihydroxide powder, and

Lithium battery exceptions.

Effective Dates

The effective date for this final rule is May 10^th, 2024. PHMSA is allowing voluntary compliance as of January 1^st, 2023 and a delayed compliance date of April 10^th, 2025.

 

For more details about the changes made by this final rule, including changes to incorporation by reference and the Hazardous Materials Table, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/phmsa-publishes-hmr-harmonization - subscription required.