DOT Shuffles Hazardous-Material Permits in Routine Safety Housekeeping
Published Date: 11/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation just updated special permits for companies and the military that handle hazardous materials. Some permits got new safety rules, while others were denied. If you’re involved in shipping or managing dangerous goods, check the changes before December 9, 2026, to stay safe and compliant—no extra fees mentioned!
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Cylinder refill and testing clarifications granted
Applications 12532-M and 15493-M (Mission Systems Orchard Park Inc.) were granted modifications to clarify proof testing pressure and update heat-treatment references, and application 15493-M also authorized each cylinder to be refilled up to five times under 49 CFR 173.302a. These changes affect manufacture, inspection, and refill practices for those cylinders.
New transport modes allowed for batteries
Application 21706-M (The Battery Network, Inc.) was modified to authorize cargo vessels and ferry vessels as additional modes of transportation for the covered batteries under the cited provisions (e.g., 172.102(c)(1), 173.159 series). This expands lawful shipping options for that company's batteries.
Toyota cleared to make DOT hydrogen cylinders
Application 22203-N (Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.) was authorized to manufacture, mark, sell, and use DOT specification cylinders designed and approved under UN Global Technical Regulation No. 13 and UN Regulation No. 134 for hydrogen storage modules used in transportation (see 173.301(a)(1), 173.302(a)(1), 178.70).
Heavier lithium batteries allowed on cargo aircraft
Application 22392-N (Saildrone, Inc.) was authorized to transport lithium ion batteries exceeding the 35 kg net weight per package limit aboard cargo-only aircraft (see 172.101(j)). This permits larger battery packages on cargo-only flights for this permit holder.
Rotorcraft external-load hazmat transport eased in remote areas
Application 22434-N (Guidance Air Service, LLC) was authorized to transport certain hazardous materials only in remote areas of the U.S. by 14 CFR Part 133 cargo-only rotorcraft external load operations (hazardous materials attached or suspended from the aircraft) and, where applicable, Part 135, without being subject to certain hazard communication requirements, quantity limitations, and certain loading and stowage requirements.
DoD permit modified to add safety control
Application 7573-M (Department of Defense) was granted a modification to add a safety control measure to its special permit under 49 CFR Parts 172 and 175. This changes the permit conditions that the Department of Defense (and contractors operating under that permit) must follow.
Non‑DOT pressure drums for hydrogen chloride allowed
Application 22206-N (Versum Materials US, LLC) was authorized to transport in commerce non-DOT specification pressure drums (Tonners) containing anhydrous hydrogen chloride under the cited provisions (171.23 series).
Leaking chlorine salvage cylinder transport authorized
Application 22409-N (Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.) was authorized to transport a leaking DOT3A480 cylinder containing chlorine that has been overcharged in a salvage cylinder and not requalified within the 49 CFR 173.3(d)(9) period. This allows transport of that specific salvage/salvage-condition cylinder.
Space supplier's permit denied for non‑DOT cylinders
Application 22170-N (Thales Alenia Space) was denied. The request sought authorization to transport certain non‑DOT specification cylinders containing Division 2.2 and 2.3 compressed gases and other hazardous materials for specialty cooling and propulsion uses in satellites, but PHMSA denied that authorization.
Limited‑quantity gas cylinder permit denied
Application 22340-N (EUROTRE S.r.l. Italy) was denied; it had sought authorization to transport certain Division 2.2 gases as limited quantities when contained in a cylinder with capacity exceeding 4 fluid ounces under the cited provisions (e.g., 172.203(a), 173.301b(d)).
Prototype lithium battery permit withdrawn
Application 22412-N (American Lithium Energy Corp.) was withdrawn; it had sought authorization to transport prototype lithium ion battery packs that have not been tested in accordance with UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Section III, Subsection 38.3. The applicant withdrew that request.
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