USPS Updates Hazmat Packaging Rules in Publication 52

Posted on 7/21/2016 by Roger Marks

In a notice posted to the Federal Register today, the United States Postal Service announced the addition of a new Excepted Quantity Provision to the hazardous materials packaging provisions found in Publication 52. The updates bring the USPS rules up to date with changes PHMSA made to its Hazardous Materials Regulation (HMR) back in 2009.

At that time, PHMSA revised the HMR to incorporate international standards for small and excepted quantities shipped by air or vessel at 49 CFR 173.4. In doing so, PHMSA also clarified that the Small Quantity regulations apply only to hazmat shipments transported by highway or rail.

While the rules for shipping hazardous materials by mail are more stringent than the Hazardous Materials Regulations for commercial shippers, today’s update revises the USPS Small Quantity Provision to make it applicable only to surface mail products—matching what PHMSA did 7 years ago.

Excepted Hazmat Quantities and the “E” Marking

E marking for hazmat excepted quantities

In addition, USPS is adding an Excepted Quantity Provision to Publication 52 to require the use of the DOT-approved “E” marking on hazardous materials packages mailed under the Excepted Quantity rules.
Not all hazardous materials are eligible for relief under the USPS Excepted Quantity rules. USPS prohibits Hazard Classes 1, 2, 4, and 7 from being shipped under these provisions.

Read the full notice in the Federal Register here.

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, new rules, PHMSA

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Look beyond the annual "Top 10 List" to see specifics about the most cited OSHA health & safety Standards and the individual regulations that tripped up employers the most last year.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.