Harmonization enhances safety, facilitates compliance, and improves the efficiency of the global transportation system by minimizing the regulatory burden on the public, thus promoting trade. After a thorough review of the provisions recently adopted by various international regulatory bodies, PHMSA has identified areas in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in which harmonization with international regulations will provide an enhanced level of safety, an economic benefit or, in many instances, both safety and economic benefits. As a result, this rulemaking would amend the HMR, where appropriate, to maintain alignment with international standards that will become effective as of January 1, 2015, and consequently, facilitate the safe global trade of hazardous materials. Proposals in this rulemaking include, but are not limited to; the introduction of regulatory requirements to address adsorbed gasses, exceptions for small quantities of marine pollutants, provisions for the safe transport of damaged or defective batteries, the revision of various entries in the hazardous materials table to maintain global alignment, and the incorporation by reference of various international standards.