Proposed HM‑215R rule updates HMR with international standards

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued its proposed HM 215R rule to update the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and better align them with current international dangerous goods standards. Published on February 10, 2026, the proposal is open for public comment through April 13, 2026.

The rule is part of PHMSA’s ongoing effort to harmonize U.S. hazmat requirements with international regulations such as the UN Model Regulations, ICAO Technical Instructions, IMDG Code, and Transport Canada’s TDG Regulations. PHMSA states that alignment is intended to reduce regulatory differences, improve consistency across modes of transport, and support the safe and efficient movement of hazardous materials in international commerce.

The proposal includes a wide range of changes affecting hazard classification, proper shipping names, packaging, and modal requirements. Among the more significant updates are revisions to the Hazardous Materials Table, including the addition of new entries, removal of outdated listings, and updates to hazard classes and packing groups.

PHMSA also proposes new regulatory entries and requirements for emerging technologies and materials, such as sodium ion batteries, fire suppressant dispersing devices, and articles containing gallium. Updates to battery related provisions address air transport limitations, state of charge restrictions, and emergency response information for energy storage systems.

Other proposed changes include revised classifications for certain toxic substances, expanded limited quantity provisions for specific compressed gases, new organic peroxide formulations, and updates to the list of marine pollutants to reflect international revisions.

While PHMSA proposes to adopt many international updates, it does not plan to incorporate certain provisions it considers unnecessary or inconsistent with U.S. practices.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposal and submit comments through the Department of Transportation’s docket system before the comment period closes.