PHMSA PUBLISHES NPRM ON TRANSPORTATION OF HAZMAT IN REVERSE LOGISTICS
Today, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to revise the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) applicable to the shipment of certain consumer products containing hazardous materials (HAZMAT) in the reverse logistics supply chain. This NPRM follows PHMSA’s advanced notice of proposed rulemaking published on July 5, 2012 seeking stakeholder input.
PHMSA now proposes to create a new section in the HMR on reverse logistics designed to reduce the regulatory burden and cost on HAZMAT shippers and carriers. The new section will:
- Define “reverse logistics”;
- Create regulations for the shipment of HAZMAT in the reverse logistics supply chain;
- Apply certain training requirements to reverse logistics shipments;
- Provide authorized packaging for reverse logistics shipments;
- Include segregation requirements for reverse logistics shipments; and
- Provide for flexibility in the transportation of lead acid batteries.
Comments are due on or before October 10, 2014. If you have any questions regarding this NPRM or HAZMAT in reverse logistics or would like help in preparation or submission of comments, please contact our office.