Billing Code - PHMSA - Department of Transportation

The specific packaging requirements for Class 1 explosive materials are specified
in § 173.62. In this final rule PHMSA is revising § 173.62 to authorize wood as an
appropriate material used to construct receptacles, inner and outer intermediate packagings,
and intermediate packagings/dividing partitions for certain explosives. Furthermore,
PHMSA is authorizing the use of metals other than steel or aluminum in specification
packagings, specifically drums (1N1 or 1N2) and boxes (4N), as appropriate. This
authorization does not include chlorosilanes under § 173.206 because of corrosion
concerns. Otherwise, it authorizes the use of closed head drums where open head drums
are generally permitted. PHMSA believes these amendments provide greater flexibility in
packaging while maintaining an equivalent level of safety.
Consistent with amendments adopted by the ICAO Technical Instructions, PHMSA
is adopting changes in various sections on Part 173 where certain articles, items, and
materials are excepted from the requirements of the subchapter. There is a potential for
these excepted articles, items, and materials to be inappropriately carried aboard an aircraft
by passengers or crewmembers. The changes will address this concern by clarifying that
certain excepted articles, items and materials, identified by ICAO as posing a safety risk,
must be transported as cargo and cannot be carried onboard an aircraft by passengers or
crewmembers as carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or on their person unless specifically
excepted by § 175.10, “Exceptions for Passengers, Crewmembers, and Air Operators.”
The amended sections include §§ 173.159a, 173.162, 173.164, 173.175, 173.219, and
173.306. For UN3166 and UN3268, Special Provision A200 is created to communicate
this requirement and a reference to special provision A200 is placed in column 7 of the
HMT for these entries. In response to the NPRM, COSTHA and Mercotac, suggested
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