United States: PHMSA Reduces Regulatory Burdens for Hazardous Materials Transportation Nationwide

The United States Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) implements changes to the Hazardous Materials Regulations.

These changes impact industries involved in the transportation of hazardous materials, including energy products like gasoline and diesel.

The amendments aim to reduce costs and regulatory burdens while maintaining safety standards.

PHMSA has introduced amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations to streamline the transportation of hazardous materials, including energy products, by reducing costs and eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining safety standards.

Key changes include allowing electronic submissions for cargo tank facility registrations, replacing Chlorine Institute drawings with CI Pamphlet 49 for safer chlorine transport, updating fuel marking requirements to use the identification number of the fuel with the lowest flash point, exempting certain hazmat employees from safety training, and permitting the use of external coverings and video equipment for cargo tank inspections.

PHMSA anticipates annual cost savings of approximately $145.3 million, benefiting the transportation of energy products and the hazardous materials packaging industry.

As the enforcing authority, PHMSA requires companies to comply with the new requirements to avoid penalties, and further guidance is available through PHMSA’s official resources.

Sources:

United States Registry, Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, 91 FR 1433, Hazardous Materials: Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens on Fuel Transportation, (January 22, 2026)