Hazardous Materials: Regulatory Updates
Review changes to government regulations for shipping hazardous materials via FedEx Ground.
Check back often for regulatory updates and to get the most current information.
Effective Feb. 6, 2015: Lithium Batteries
New regulations are in place for shipping lithium batteries. Please refer to HM-224F for more information.
Note: The date for mandatory compliance with these regulations has been extended from Feb. 6, 2015, to Aug. 7, 2015.
Find more details on battery shipments at How to Ship Hazardous Materials.
Effective Jan. 1, 2015: Safety Devices and Other Updates
A number of regulatory changes took effect as a result of Final Rule HM-215M. Most notably, UN 3268 is now classified as Safety Devices, and UN 0503 is now Safety Devices, Pyrotechnic. The proper shipping names Airbag Modules, Airbag Inflators and Seat Belt Pretensioners may still be used until Jan. 1, 2016. Please refer to HM-215M for more information.
Effective July 30, 2013: UN 3268
The U.S. Department of Transportation published significant changes to requirements regarding the shipment of UN 3268 Air Bag Inflators. Shippers of air bags should review HM–254.
Read the final rule in its entirety.
Effective Jan. 7, 2013: ORM-D
The U.S. Department of Transportation has extended the ORM-D classification and use of packaging marked “Consumer Commodity, ORM-D” until Dec. 31, 2020, for U.S. domestic highway, rail and vessel transportation.
The square-on-point and ID number Limited Quantity mark has been extended until Dec. 31, 2014, for U.S. domestic highway, rail and vessel transportation.
Effective Jan. 19, 2011: Limited Quantity Exceptions
The required markings have changed for shipments prepared under Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Limited Quantity Exceptions. Shippers should review the applicable sections to ensure compliance.
Effective Oct. 1, 2010: Emergency Response Information
Hazardous materials shipments must comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Emergency Response Requirements (49 CFR Part 172.201, Part 172.604).
Documentation for all hazardous materials shipments must include the name of an emergency response information (ERI) provider who is responsible for 24-hour coverage in the event of emergencies, and an emergency response phone number, including area code and country code where applicable.
When an agency or organization is designated as the ERI provider, the registered person must be identified on the shipping form by name, contract number or other unique identifier. The person responsible for providing detailed ERI about the shipment's hazardous materials content is usually the offeror or shipper.
Read the final rule in its entirety (PDF).
Effective Jan. 1, 2010: UN 3268
The required markings have changed for shipments prepared under Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, section 173.4, Small Quantity Exceptions. Shippers should review the section to ensure compliance.
Ship with confidence
Use the FedEx® DG Ready program to give you added confidence that your dangerous goods (DG) or hazardous materials (hazmat) shipment is secure and ready to ship.
