Lion will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026. Online training support is available via support@lion.com.
Search

Final Rule Alert: PHMSA Reduces Hazmat Regulatory Burdens

Posted on 11/25/2020 by Roger Marks

A new PHMSA rulemaking revises the 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to “update, clarify, or provide relief from various regulatory requirements without adversely affecting safety.”

The Final Rule takes effect on December 28, 2020.

The Rule adopts miscellaneous petitions for regulatory relief from hazardous materials shippers, freight forwarders, carriers, and other stakeholders.
 


Among the most impactful updates PHMSA adopted are:
  • Making limited quantity exceptions available for 114 corrosive materials on the Hazardous Materials Table 172.101 to align with international regulations.
  • Allowing non-RCRA waste materials to be packed under the lab pack exception (49 CFR 173.12)
  • Allowing the word “stabilized” to be added to certain Proper Shipping Names to better align with IMDG Code naming conventions.
  • Provides flexibility for cleaning metal drums under 49 CFR 173.28(c)(1)(i)
  • Revising requirements for poison-by-inhalation (PIH) materials by rail
The Final Rule also makes technical corrections and incorporates updated editions of various publications referenced in the HMR.

See the full list of changes in the November 25 Federal Register.  

Proposed in August 2019, the rule to adopt miscellaneous petitions was one of three hazmat updates Lion highlighted in our Hazmat Rules to Watch in 2020 last year.

2021 Hazmat Training Webinar Schedule Available 

Keep your hazmat shipping certifications up to date and help satisfy US DOT training mandates for hazmat employees at 49 CFR 172.704, IATA DGR 1.5, and IMDG Code 1.3.1.

Join a Lion instructor for live, expert-led training to simplify compliance with the latest hazardous materials regulations you must know. Get answers to your compliance questions and develop a step-by-step process to prepare and offer fully compliant shipments by ground, air, or vessel. 
 
Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)  Dec. 3
Hazmat Air Shipper Certification (IATA)  Dec. 8
Hazmat Vessel Shipper Certification (IMDG)  Dec. 15
Initial Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)  Dec. 16–17

Tags: 49 CFR, hazmat shipping, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

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

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

Latest Whitepaper

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.