PHMSA finalizes HM-268 series of rules

HM-268 Final rules at a glance

• HM-268A – Revised the definition of an aerosol to include gas-only aerosols, harmonizing with international standards.
• HM-268B – Authorized a reduced-size limited quantity marking for certain domestic shipments.
• HM-268C – Increased lithium battery limits under the Materials of Trade exception.
• HM-268D – Allows the use of electronic emergency response information.
• HM-268E – Removed PHMSA's duplicate hazardous substance list and references EPA's list instead.
• HM-268F – Allows continued use of qualifying special permit packaging after permit expiration under specified conditions.
• HM-268G – Allows special permit and approval renewal applications to be filed any time before expiration.
• HM-268H – Requires electronic payment of PHMSA registration fees.
• HM-268I – Allows motor and vessel carriers to carry PHMSA registration documents electronically.
• HM-268J – Increased the farmer security training exemption threshold to reflect inflation.
• HM-268K – Removed outdated rail-related reporting requirements and updated tank car unloading provisions.
• HM-268L – Incorporated long-standing special permit provisions allowing certain drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) to be unloaded while remaining on a vehicle.
• HM-268M – Expanded relief for refrigerating machines containing flammable refrigerant gases.
• HM-268N – Authorized transportation of larger refrigerating machines containing low-flammability refrigerants under specified conditions.
• HM-268O – Adopted Special Permit 14175, allowing a 10-year requalification interval for certain DOT 3A and 3AA cylinders.
• HM-268P – Reduced paperwork requirements for qualifying empty residue IBCs.

Collectively, the HM-268 final rules update a range of hazardous materials transportation requirements affecting aerosols, lithium batteries, special permits, registration documents, rail operations, refrigerating machines, cylinders, and residue packagings.