DOT Eases Shipping Regulations for Fireworks, Tracer Ammunition

With a Final Rule (91 FR 32889) published June 2, 2026, the US DOT aims to make compliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations a little easier for businesses that ship fireworks or small arms tracer ammunition.

Effective July 2, 2026, the Final Rule:

• Streamlines the classification and approval process for transporting certain low-hazard fireworks by allowing self-certification using an online application in the PHMSA portal.
  • 17 products, including chasers, crackling balls, fountain cones, and sparklers.
• Adopts guidance criteria into the HMR to ensure exception from regulation for certain low-hazard fireworks.
• Revises the classification criteria for small arms cartridges to include tracer ammunition as eligible for self-classification as a Division 1.4S material.
• Designates the PHMSA portal as the sole method to submit applications for all explosives approvals.
• Authorizes an approval holder to terminate an explosive approval voluntarily.

Upcoming In-person DOT Hazmat Training

Join Lion for engaging, lively in-person training and develop the expertise you need to classify and name hazardous materials, package hazmat, mark and label packages, fill out shipping papers, and comply with DOT security plan and security training requirements for hazmat employees.

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT) Workshop

Tags: ammunition, fireworks, hazmat shipping