Hazmat Reverse Logistics Rule for Retail Stores Finalized

Update! 03/31/16: Today, US DOT posted its Hazmat Reverse Logistics Rule (RRR) for retail stores to the Federal Register. 

The US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has completed a Final Rule that creates alternative hazmat shipping standards for retail stores that return hazardous materials to a manufacturer, supplier, or distributor. 

In addition to creating standards for retail shippers to classify, package, mark, label, and offer reverse logistics hazmat shipments, the Final Rule expands the battery recycler exclusion at 49 CFR 173.159(e) to authorize pickups from multiple facilities on the same transport vehicle.

DOT Reverse Logistics (RRR) Final Rule
 
Here are some main points from PHMSA’s new Reverse Logistics Final Rule:

• Creates new section (49 CFR 173.157) for reverse logistics
• Provides definition for “reverse logistics”  
• Affects certain consumer products in hazard classes 3, 8, Division 2.1 and 2.2, Divison 1.4S and 1.4G, 5.1, 6.1 and 9.
• Sets size limit of 30 kg (66 pounds) per package for reverse logistics shipments
• Authorizes use of limited quantity hazmat definitions at 49 CFR 173.150(b) for each affected class.
• Requires original packaging or packaging of equal/greater strength for reverse logistics shipments
• Authorizes only packagings suitable for use under limited quantity exception
• Does not cover lithium batteries or hazardous wastes
• Expands battery recycler exclusion to allow pickups from multiple different sites

Lion Members can log in to see a full breakdown of the new reverse logistics requirements in the Member Area. 

See PHMSA's pre-publication version of the Reverse Logistics (RRR) Final Rule here.
 
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Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, new rules, reverse logistics