PHMSA Proposes Updates to Hazardous Materials Regulations to Align with International Standards
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has proposed broad updates to the Hazardous Materials Regulations to bring U.S. requirements into closer alignment with international standards. The proposal would conform U.S. rules with those used for air transport, ocean shipping, and cross-border transportation with Canada (i.e., the ICAO Technical Instructions/IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, the IMDG Code, and Transport Canada’s TDG Regulations). The changes would revise shipping descriptions, hazard classifications, packing groups, special provisions, packaging approvals, limits for air shipments, and vessel stowage requirements. PHMSA expects that alignment with international rules will maintain existing safety levels while reducing delays, regulatory inconsistencies, and compliance burdens for shippers engaged in global commerce.
The principal changes are to Hazardous Materials Table entries, which would reflect new scientific data, support emerging technologies, and introduce new safety provisions. Notable changes for freight forwarders arranging air transportation (i.e., Indirect Air Carriers) include new regulatory treatment for sodium‑ion batteries (UN3551 and UN3552), which would mirror those for lithium‑ion batteries; expanded state‑of‑charge limits and handling provisions for lithium‑ion and sodium‑ion batteries (UN3480 and UN3481); and new emergency‑response communication requirements for battery energy storage systems (UN3536), all of which could impact acceptance checks and air carrier‑specific variations.
Forwarders currently arranging for the international transportation of shipments containing hazardous materials/dangerous goods may already be subject to certain of these proposed changes because air carriers typically follow international standards. PHMSA’s primary objective is the “harmonization” of the HMRs with these standards.
The proposed rule is expected to be published in Federal Register on February 10, 2026. Comments are due by April 11, 2026. The Scopelitis Law Firm is available to assist forwarders looking to plan for adoption of these proposed changes, which is not anticipated until the summer of 2026, at the earliest.
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.
PHMSA Proposes Updates to Hazardous Materials Regulations to Align with International Standards
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has proposed broad updates to the Hazardous Materials Regulations to bring U.S. requirements into closer alignment with international standards. The proposal would conform U.S. rules with those used for air transport, ocean shipping, and cross-border transportation with Canada (i.e., the ICAO Technical Instructions/IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, the IMDG Code, and Transport Canada’s TDG Regulations). The changes would revise shipping descriptions, hazard classifications, packing groups, special provisions, packaging approvals, limits for air shipments, and vessel stowage requirements. PHMSA expects that alignment with international rules will maintain existing safety levels while reducing delays, regulatory inconsistencies, and compliance burdens for shippers engaged in global commerce.
The principal changes are to Hazardous Materials Table entries, which would reflect new scientific data, support emerging technologies, and introduce new safety provisions. Notable changes for freight forwarders arranging air transportation (i.e., Indirect Air Carriers) include new regulatory treatment for sodium‑ion batteries (UN3551 and UN3552), which would mirror those for lithium‑ion batteries; expanded state‑of‑charge limits and handling provisions for lithium‑ion and sodium‑ion batteries (UN3480 and UN3481); and new emergency‑response communication requirements for battery energy storage systems (UN3536), all of which could impact acceptance checks and air carrier‑specific variations.
Forwarders currently arranging for the international transportation of shipments containing hazardous materials/dangerous goods may already be subject to certain of these proposed changes because air carriers typically follow international standards. PHMSA’s primary objective is the “harmonization” of the HMRs with these standards.
The proposed rule is expected to be published in Federal Register on February 10, 2026. Comments are due by April 11, 2026. The Scopelitis Law Firm is available to assist forwarders looking to plan for adoption of these proposed changes, which is not anticipated until the summer of 2026, at the earliest.
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.