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DOT/PHMSA RIN: 2137-AF32 Publication ID: Spring 2018 
Title: Hazardous Materials: Harmonization With International Standards 
Abstract:

The Federal hazardous materials transportation law requires the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that, to the extent practicable, regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce are consistent with standards adopted by international authorities (49 U.S.C. 5120(b)). 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 HMR in which harmonization with international regulations will provide an enhanced level of safety, an economic benefit, or in many instances both increased safety and economic benefits. As a result, this rulemaking action would amend the HMR, where appropriate, to maintain alignment with international standards that will become effective as of January 1, 2019, and consequently facilitate the safe global trade of hazardous materials. Proposals in this rulemaking action include, but are not limited to: non-testing methods to classify corrosive materials; a classification scheme and transport provisions for articles containing hazardous materials that do not already have a proper shipping name; a lithium battery test summary document; provisions to recognize one-time movement approvals issued by Transport Canada; and the incorporation by reference of various international standards including the latest editions of the UN Model Regulations, the IMDG Code, the ICAO TI, and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) technical standards applicable to cylinders. We expect the regulatory changes will result in minimal compliance costs for the regulated industry; we firmly believe consistent regulatory requirements reduce compliance costs and increase flexibility.

 
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 13771 Designation: Deregulatory 
CFR Citation: 49 CFR 171    49 CFR 172    49 CFR 173    49 CFR 175    49 CFR 176    49 CFR 177    49 CFR 178    49 CFR 180   
Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/00/2018 
Additional Information: HM-215O;
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov   Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Aaron Wiener
Transportation Regulations Specialist
Department of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE,
Washington, DC 20590
Phone:202-366-8553
Email: Aaron.Wiener@dot.gov