New Rules for Cargo Tanks: ASME Codes Get Mandatory Upgrade
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 28, 2026, companies using certain cargo tanks and portable tanks must follow updated safety rules from the 2015 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and National Board Inspection Code. These changes help keep things safe while saving money and giving more flexibility. If you work with these tanks, get ready to comply or start early by September 28, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
You may build certain tanks to ASME Section XII
Starting October 28, 2026, manufacturers and owners may construct and place into continued service certain cargo tanks, cryogenic portable tanks, and ton tanks using the 2015 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XII standard as an alternative to Section VIII, Division 1. The tanks listed include CTMVs (MC 331 and 338, and DOT 406, 407, and 412), cryogenic portable tanks (UN T75), and ton tanks (DOT 106A and 110AW).
2015 NBIC required for Section XII continued service
For transport tanks constructed to ASME Section XII, the rule requires use of the 2015 National Board Inspection Code (NBIC), Parts 2 and 3, including Supplement 6, for qualification, requalification, inspection, repair, and continued service. For tanks built to Section VIII, Division 1, the continued service framework allows use of the 2015 NBIC or the previously incorporated 1992 NBIC as applicable.
New inspector and witness requirements for Section XII tanks
Under the final rule, repairs and alterations of ASME-stamped Section XII transport tanks must involve a National Board commissioned inspector, hydrostatic testing must be witnessed by an ASME Authorized/Qualified/Certified Inspector (AI, QI, or CI), and periodic inspections may still be performed by a DOT-registered Registered Inspector after completing a web-based training course.
All cargo tanks must be ASME-stamped; repairs need R certificate
PHMSA states that because all cargo tanks must be ASME stamped under this final rule, repairs for those ASME-stamped cargo tanks are required to be performed by organizations holding a National Board 'R' Certificate of Authorization, whereas current HMR provisions may allow some cargo tanks to be repaired by a 'U' certificate holder.
Estimated industry cost savings of rule
PHMSA estimates that the annualized quantified net cost savings of this rulemaking for the regulated community are approximately $8.1 million per year, calculated using a 7 percent discount rate. PHMSA describes the final rule as deregulatory and states it imposes no new costs on the regulated community and introduces potential cost savings and increased regulatory flexibility.
You can comply early starting September 28, 2026
The rule's voluntary compliance date is September 28, 2026, allowing manufacturers and owners to begin using the 2015 Section XII and 2015 NBIC before the final rule's effective date of October 28, 2026.
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