U.S. Seeks to Sync Hazardous Shipping Rules Worldwide
Published Date: 10/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Transportation wants to update rules about shipping hazardous materials to match international standards. This helps companies save money and makes shipping safer and easier worldwide. If you’re involved in shipping or handling hazardous stuff, you can share your thoughts by December 28, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Harmonize rules to reduce shipping costs
PHMSA proposes to update the Hazardous Materials Regulations to adopt certain international regulations and standards with the goal of maintaining safety and reducing delays and regulatory costs for entities or individuals in the U.S. The agency states these changes will reduce costs to entities or individuals and lower regulatory costs on the U.S. economy.
Adopt updated international transport codes
PHMSA proposes to incorporate by reference updated international standards including the 2027-28 ICAO Technical Instructions, the 2026 IMDG Code (Amendment 43-26), the 24th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations, and the 11th Revised Edition of the GHS. These new editions are noted as being published by or in effect on January 1, 2027 and would replace currently referenced editions in multiple parts of 49 CFR.
Separate UN numbers for battery CTUs
PHMSA proposes splitting the single CTU entry UN3536 into three entries: keeping UN3536 for lithium ion batteries installed in cargo transport units, and adding “UN3563, Lithium metal batteries installed in cargo transport unit” and “UN3564, Sodium ion batteries installed in cargo transport unit.” The NPRM cites a 2024 CTU fire incident and states the change will allow responders to know the battery chemistry being transported.
Update many ISO and technical standards references
PHMSA proposes to update the list of consensus standards incorporated by reference in 49 CFR 171.7, including many ISO standards (for example ISO 535:2023; ISO 1496-3:2019; ISO 4706:2023; ISO 10297:2024; ISO 11623:2023; and others) and Transport Canada TDG 2024 updates. These updates would replace older editions currently referenced in multiple sections of the HMR.
New packing group for Butyl Acrylates
PHMSA proposes to add a Hazardous Materials Table entry for “UN2348, Butyl acrylates, stabilized” with Packing Group II (PG II). The change specifically notes that tert-butyl acrylate has a flash point of 14 °C (57 °F) and supports assigning PG II.
Vanadium pentoxide reclassified when dusty
PHMSA proposes adding an entry assigning “UN2862, Vanadium pentoxide, non-fused form” to Packing Group II (PG II) when it contains 10 percent or more respirable particles (particles ≤10 μm). Vanadium pentoxide containing less than 10 percent respirable particles would remain assigned as PG III.
New chlorophenols corrosive/toxic listings
PHMSA proposes two new HMT entries: “UN3561, Chlorophenols, corrosive, toxic, solid, n.o.s., 8 (6.1), II” and “UN3562, Chlorophenols, corrosive, solid, n.o.s., 8, II.” Existing chlorophenol entries (UN2020 and UN2021) would be amended to include the symbol “G” requiring a technical name and to add “toxic” and “n.o.s.” text where applicable.
Clarify large packaging volume as internal
PHMSA proposes to revise the definitions of “large packaging” and “large salvage packaging” to clarify that the 3 m³ maximum volume refers to internal volume (not external volume). The NPRM cites disagreement among experts and an example involving industrial lithium battery products with internal volumes of 2.7–2.8 m³.
Adopt single packaging definition for clarity
PHMSA proposes to add text from the UN Model Regulations (consistent with the ICAO Technical Instructions) to the HMR definition of “single packaging,” defining it as a packaging which does not require any inner packaging to perform its containment function during transport. The change aims to reduce confusion about the term’s meaning.
Limited use of FRP portable tanks in ports
PHMSA proposes to revise 49 CFR 171.25 to continue prohibiting domestic transport of UN FRP portable tanks designed to IMDG Code chapter 6.10, but to allow FRP service equipment to be used with UN FRP portable tanks within a single port area in the United States for limited import/export and transport experience. The allowance is described as limited to a single port area in accordance with 49 CFR 171.25(d).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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