Hazmat Rule Eases Shipping of Fridges with Flammable Refrigerants
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Rule
Summary
This final rule removes undue regulatory burdens by adopting the provisions of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) special permit (SP) 21379 to streamline the transportation of refrigerating machines and components containing certain low flammability refrigerant gases.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Limits on air/vessel transport; mode rules
The rule limits transportation of machines containing Division 2.1 gas to ground transport methods: open flat-bed motor vehicles, open flat-bed rail cars, or well-ventilated closed transport vehicles. PHMSA will continue to require special permits for air or vessel transport of these items rather than codifying general authorizations for those modes.
Ship large machines without special permits
Starting September 3, 2026, offerors and carriers may transport refrigerating machines containing specified low-flammability refrigerants without a DOT special permit. The rule allows up to 5,000 pounds of Group A1 refrigerant, or up to 5,000 pounds of a non‑toxic, flammable Category 1B (GHS) or Group A2L (ANSI/ASHRAE 34-2024) refrigerant, per pressure vessel, and becomes available 30 days after publication.
Less marking for reconditioned machines
Reconditioned (used) refrigerating machines (UN2857 Div. 2.2 or UN3358 Div. 2.1) transported by motor vehicle may be excepted from the marking requirements of 49 CFR 172.302(c) if they meet the section's requirements, are secured or permanently attached to the motor vehicle, and conform to paragraph (e)(1) limits and conditions.
Adopts ANSI/ASHRAE 34‑2024 and GHS Rev.9
PHMSA incorporates by reference ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2024 and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) 9th Revised Edition (2021) into the Hazardous Materials Regulations to determine eligible refrigerants and classifications used for the exceptions in 49 CFR 173.306.
Safety, manufacture, and testing conditions
To use the exception, each pressure vessel must meet safety and manufacturing/testing requirements: a safety device per ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15, manufacture/inspection/testing per ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15 or ASME Section VIII (if over 6 inches internal diameter), and testing of all parts subject to refrigerant pressure in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15817, Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Department of Transportation Special Permit 21287
This final rule removes undue regulatory burdens by adopting the provisions of U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) special permit (SP) 21287 to streamline the transportation of refrigerating machines-- including common household appliances like refrigerators, window- mounted air-conditioning units, and dehumidifiers--that contain small quantities of certain low flammability refrigerant gases.
Next: 2026-15819, Hazardous Materials: Adoption of Department of Transportation Special Permit 14175
This final rule removes undue regulatory burdens by adopting the provisions of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) special permit (SP) 14175 to authorize a 10-year requalification period and the ultrasonic examination (UE) testing method for DOT specification 3A and 3AA cylinders in flammable and non-flammable, nonpoisonous gas service. This adoption reflects advances in testing technology and will relieve stakeholders of the burden of performing more frequent cylinder requalification.