After last week’s harmonization news, this week was considerably less active, with the exception being the FMCSA. Here’s the latest news:
FMCSA
The agency amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to remove the grandfathering provision under the physical qualifications standards for interstate drivers operating under the vision waiver study program administered from 1992 through 1994, and the vision exemption program operated from 1998 through 2022, as the grandfathering provision is now obsolete. FMCSA’s current rules permit individuals who do not satisfy, with the worse eye, either the existing distant visual acuity standard with corrective lenses or the field of vision standard, or both, to be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce under specified conditions. Find the changed rule here:
The agency amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations (FMCSR) to allow dual-status military technicians to qualify for the exception for certain military personnel from commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards. Dual-status military technicians are civilian technicians employed by military units to provide day-to-day support such as training, maintenance, and other activities required to support the unit. See the rule here for full details:
FMCSA also clarified the requirement to complete a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). The DVIR may already be completed electronically, however the explicit language in this clarified rule will make this clear. See the rule below:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
Differences between compliant and non-compliant labels and markings may be had to notice.
Shippers often complain about the hair-splitting differences spelled out by hazmat regulations. And while it’s true that a difference of a gram here or a millimeter there isn’t likely to make a shipment any less safe, regulations have to be exact, or there’s no point in enacting them.
Label regulations can seem especially persnickety. The difference between a compliant label and a cheaper, non-compliant label may be small and hard to notice, but you can bet your supply chain partners—and possibly DOT inspectors—will catch them.
Non-compliant labels will cost you more in the long run, due to fines and the cost of resending rejected shipments. But how do you spot them?
What makes these labels and markings non-compliant?
Below are six non-compliant labels and markings, side by side with their compliant Labelmaster counterparts. We’ve detailed the errors and inconsistencies that make these cheaper products non-compliant.
Pitchers and catchers reported to training camp this week in the Major Leagues—that’s a sure sign of spring, although we still have a long way to go. But progress is progress! There was progress on the regulatory front as well, as PHMSA released its long-sought HM-215R international harmonization rule in proposed form. Finalization must await comments and potential revisions. See the details as well as other regulatory news right here:
PHMSA
As noted above, the agency has released its HM-215R proposed harmonization rule, bringing the 49 CFR into line with the various international texts based on the UN Model Regs, like the ICAO TI, IATA DGR, and IMO IMDG Code. Among other items, if adopted as published here, the new rule will:
incorporate by reference updated versions of international hazardous materials regulations and standards
make amendments to the Hazardous Materials Table to add, to revise, or to remove certain PSNs, hazard classes, PGs, SPs, packaging authorizations, bulk packaging requirements, and passenger and cargo aircraft maximum quantity limits
provide an increase in authorized amounts of certain gases transported as limited quantities for modes other than air transportation
make amendments to the organic peroxides table in § 173.225, which lists individual organic peroxide formulations that are authorized for transportation without prior approval.
make amendments to provisions for the transport of tetramethylammonium
offer new provisions for sodium ion batteries: PHMSA proposes to add new HMT entries and transport provisions for sodium ion batteries to maintain consistency with changes adopted in the 2025–2026 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions and the 23rd revised edition of the UN Model Regulations. The new provisions in the international regulations regulate sodium ion batteries in the same way as lithium ion batteries and are intended to address anticipated increases in the use of sodium ion batteries as an alternative to lithium ion batteries
revise state-of-charge provisions for certain lithium and sodium ion batteries transported by air: PHMSA proposes expanding current state-of-charge requirements to certain lithium and sodium ion batteries transported by air. The new provision would limit the amount of stored energy to 30 percent or less of the battery’s capacity at the time of transport
require improved Emergency Response Information for Lithium Batteries Transported as ‘‘UN3536, Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries: ’’ PHMSA proposes to amend Special Provision 389 to require that the emergency response information for UN3536 specifically identify the predominant type of energy storage battery installed in the unit (e.g., lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries) and provide information on immediate methods for handling
add exceptions for ammonium nitrate hot concentrated solution to add specific conditions under which solutions of ammonium nitrate (hot concentrated solution) can be transported under the HMT entry ‘‘UN2426, Ammonium nitrate’’ or can qualify for exception from regulation under the HMR.
give exceptions for nitrocellulose membrane filters used in rapid test devices to add a new special provision with specific packaging requirements for ‘‘UN3270, Nitrocellulose membrane filters, with not more than 12.6% nitrogen, by dry mass’’ to be excepted from regulation
Read the complete proposal and find ways to comment no later than April 13th, 2026 at this link:
PHMSA is also extending the comment period in a request for preemption from Exxon Mobil Corporation in the matter of a lawsuit in reference to a state tort claim. The company is asking for federal relief in the matter. See details and how to comment here:
Everyone loves new lithium battery transport guidance, and IATA has come through again. The Association has prepared an updated Lithium & Sodium Battery Guidance Document for 2026, available here:
The agency is amending the regulations for State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) issuing commercial driving credentials to non-domiciled individuals. This final rule reaffirms, with minor changes, the provisions of the interim final rule (IFR) published on September 29, 2025. Specifically, this final rule limits eligibility for nondomiciled Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for foreign-domiciled individuals to those who hold specific, verifiable employment-based nonimmigrant status. This final rule is effective March 16, 2026. Link:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
If you’re a Dangerous Goods professional, you believe in science, not superstition. You’d never go in for all that astrological nonsense, would you?
Still, even DG pros want to know what the future holds in store. That’s why we created the Hazard Class Zodiac. Find your “sign” to learn everything about your personality, your ideal match, and your future!
How can you, the Dangerous Goods professional, know your personality type?
Simple—just figure out which hazard class you belong to! Then, whatever “sign” you call your own, you’ll know what fate has in store for you!
Class 1
Explosives
January 1 — February 10
You don’t do anything quietly. People like your ability to remove obstacles, but they’re wary of you getting out of control.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 2 (Gasses)
When you two get together,
look out!
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 6 (Poison)
Poison is patient; you’re … not.
You just want different things.
New Year’s Prediction:
You’ll start the year with a bang—and probably end it the same way. If people can’t handle your occasional blow-ups, they can’t say they weren’t warned.
Class 2
GASSES
February 11 — March 22
You’re a shape-shifter. People find you mysterious. You spend a lot of time under pressure, and sometimes you just need to let it all out.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 6 (Poison)
You’re both under-the-radar, behind-the-scenes types who know the value of a breath of fresh air.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 9 (Miscellaneous)
Hard to detect, meet hard to define.
New Year’s Prediction:
Try to contain yourself, because otherwise you’re at the mercy of the wind.
Class 3
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
March 23 — May 2
Most of the time you go with the flow, but you sometimes heat up in the wrong situation. People are careful with you.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 4 (Flammable Solids)
You’re opposites, but you both love a toasty fire.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 1 (Explosives)
Your get-togethers sometimes make a big splash, but more often they just go pffft.
New Year’s Prediction:
Everything flows downhill—don’t fight what you can’t change. And watch out for those “combustion” factors: fantasy football, bad customer service and people who drive 55 in the left lane.
Class 4
FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
May 3 — June 12
You’re dependable—people know where you stand, and trust you to not just shift with the wind or disappear into thin air. But you can be volatile, too.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 7 (Radioactive)
As long as you’re both in your element, you don’t mind that your partner’s a bit unstable.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 2 (Gasses)
You can’t even share the same space.
New Year’s Prediction:
You’re at your best with your volatility under control, so try to avoid whatever sets you off: college sports, politics and that brother-in-law who won’t shut up about Game of Thrones.
Class 5
OXIDIZER
June 13 — July 23
You can be stable, but you have a tendency to bring out the worst in others.You like to mix it up—with unpleasant consequences.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 9 (Miscellaneous)
You might set each other off once in a while, but it’s usually a peaceful coexistence
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 1 (Explosives)
One bad interaction and the results can be a major disaster.
New Year’s Prediction:
Let everyone else herd together at hookah bars, pickleball games and Black Friday sales. You’re happiest by yourself.
Class 6
POISON
July 24 — September 2
Let’s face it—people tend to react badly to you. Even those who need you around handle you with care.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 7 (Radioactive)
Like two wallflowers at a party, you at least have something in common.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 8 (Corrosive)
Why be with someone who makes you feel even worse about yourself?
New Year’s Prediction:
When you make yourself useful, people will accept you for what you are. And if they handle you badly, they’ll get what they deserve.
Class 7
RADIOACTIVE
September 3 — October 13
You can’t imagine why some people are so uncomfortable around you.After all, your relationships typically have a long half-life.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 8 (Corrosive)
They may wear on everyone else, but they’re no match for your unlimited energy.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 1 (Explosives)
Your previous encounters have been historical disasters.
New Year’s Prediction:
You have the capacity to light up everything you touch. Haters gonna hate, but they can’t stop you from shining.
Class 8
CORROSIVE
October 14 — November 23
You’re the curmudgeon, the cynic, the naysayer. You may not be popular,but every organization needs someone like you.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Class 2 (Gasses)
No matter how caustic you get, you can’t hurt someone who’s so insubstantial.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Class 5 (Oxidizer)
You eat away at them;
they burn you up. Run!
New Year’s Prediction:
You are who you are, and you do what you do. You leave your mark on everyone you touch, and if they can’t deal, they’re just a buncha oversensitive poltroons.
Class 9
MISCELLANEOUS
November 24 — December 31
You’re the oddball, the independent. You just don’t fit in—but that’s okay, because you’re more popular than anyone else.
IDEAL PARTNER:
Everybody
You offer something for everyone, even if you can be a minor irritant.
PARTNER TO AVOID:
Nobody
You’re the polish on our nails, the amps in our Androids, the pepper in our personal protection spray. What’s not to like?
New Year’s Prediction:
You’re so many things to so many people, we might just need another category for you someday. Stay weird!
Find your match!
Whatever “sign” you call your own, you’ll always find the exact Dangerous Goods identification you need with Labelmaster’s Placard Finder and Label Finder.
This infographic is for entertainment value only. None of the information contained herein has any basis in fact whatsoever. Besides, every DG professional in reality shares the same perpetually sunny personality that cannot in any way be compared to characteristics of hazardous materials.
Download a printable PDF of the Infographic | Hazard Class Zodiac
It’s the Monday after the “Big Game.” Did your team win? Did you eat too much? Hope the nation’s biggest informal “holiday” went the way you wanted it to. Meanwhile, here’s the latest regulatory news—always a winner!
EPA
The agency invites the public to provide input for potential charge questions and/or charge question topics which EPA could consider when consulting the e-Manifest Advisory Board (‘‘Advisory Board’’) regarding the operations of EPA’s hazardous waste electronic manifest system. Input is due by March 9th, 2026. See how to comment here:
The agency is also seeking nominations to the advisory board that it consults in its governance of the e-manifest system. See how to offer a nomination here:
The agency published an ICR related to its standard governing the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals. The standard seeks to ensure safety in the workplaces where such chemicals are present. See the ICR here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
Rolling into February, today’s edition coincides with Groundhog Day. Hopefully the furry little critter doesn’t see his shadow and our winter will be a little shorter—assuming you believe the story! Meanwhile, Groundhog Day or not, PHMSA had a busy week last week, with several published actions. Here’s the latest:
PHMSA
The agency published a coordinated series of seven ICR’s all related to the design qualifications, test processes, and recordkeeping requirements for both portable tanks and intermediate bulk containers (IBC’s). See the ICR sequence here:
PHMSA published an ANPRM to solicit feedback on streamlining and modernizing the Agency’s regulations as they relate to the transportation of hazardous materials integral to spacecraft payloads or components. The goal of such a new rule appears to be to reduce the burden of repeated Special Permit (SP) requests made to PHMSA in reference to such transport. Comments must be received by April 29, 2026. See the ANPRM here:
The agency also seeks public input on the safety risks, operational challenges, and regulatory considerations associated with transporting hazardous materials (hazmat) using heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) motor carriers (i.e., gas or diesel). PHMSA aims to understand what impact the transition from ICE to EV motor carriers may have on hazmat packaging integrity, transportation safety, emergency response protocols, regulatory compliance, and overall vehicle risk. PHMSA may use the information gathered to develop a statement of work for further research into the safety of transporting hazardous materials in EVs. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on or before May 4, 2026. See all the details here:
The agency is planning an ICR related to querying state DMV’s in reference to the issuance of non-domiciled CMV licenses. Non-domiciled licenses are typically issued to non-citizens. See the ICR here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
Big winter storm this week! Safety first and always. If you are impacted—and most of the country seems to be, save for the West Coast—be sure to do everything you need to in order to keep you and your fellow employees safe and warm. Here’s this week’s news:
FMCSA
The agency published an ICR related to CMV marking requirements, including those required by hazmat carriers. See the ICR here:
The agency published and ICR related to its Benzene Standard, which sets forth safety precautions related to handling this hazardous chemical. See it here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
Mid-January already? Brrrrr! It’s cold almost everywhere in the country, so be sure that your outdoor employees or those working in unheated spaces are paying attention to the things they need to do to keep them safe. Frostbite or hypothermia are both no joke! Warm dry clothing appropriate to the weather and plenty of rest breaks in a heated space are crucial to help our colleagues weather the winter. Now, here’s a look at the week’s regulatory news:
PHMSA
The agency has released its first tranche of Special Permit (SP) actions for 2026. See the results at the links below:
The agency issued a delay in compliance dates for the recent revisions to the 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard or HCS. The delay extends the mandatory compliance dates of the four various regulatory tiers by four months each, with the first such extension occurring this year and the last in 2028. See the specific tiers and their respective compliance extension dates at the link below:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
Here we are in 2026! Hopefully, everyone had a chance for a little down time during the holidays. Now it’s time to put our noses to the grindstone and bull through till warmer weather arrives. Don’t forget to make sure that your winter weather contractor is ready to go after the holidays as well, so snow and ice doesn’t become a safety issue at your workplace. Meanwhile, here’s the first set of “news you can use” for the new year:
PHMSA
The agency is currently considering a request for federal preemption of a California regulation that mandates that certain propane cylinders must be refillable or otherwise reusable. See the link below for a discussion of the situation and current status of the request:
In a second preemptions request consideration, the agency is pondering whether the HMR preempts some state rules regarding required safety markings (and associated employee training) on cargo tanks carrying gasoline. See that discussion below:
The agency published a direct final rule that revises and provides technical corrections to the US 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This rule largely does things like correct spelling and enumeration errors in the current text. However, some more substantive changes occur in some of the appendices, with the “Chemicals Under Pressure” hazard finding its way into hazard statements and labeling requirements. There is also further refinement to the standards for corrosive classification testing. The rule also substitutes use of the word “sex” for the word “gender” in any section where that term previously appeared in the text. See the rule here for a full discussion of the changes made:
The agency withdrew the direct final rule from last fall that modified requirements under the Community Right To Know (“EPCRA”) Program. Instead, the action will now undergo the more typical NPRM process for comment and modification prior to re-finalization. See the action here:
The agency issue a final rule permitting states to exempt CDL drivers from the hazmat endorsement requirement when transporting 1000 gallons or less of jet fuel for use in agricultural support operations. The rule does not mandate the granting of such exemptions. See the rule here:
The agency published its 2026 required drug and alcohol testing rates for covered employees of the nation’s rail carriers. The rates remain largely unchanged, although alcohol test rates were slightly lowered for mechanical employees only. See the full notice here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
It’s the very last “DG Digest” of the year! Hopefully, readers have found the blog a useful source of updates and news that makes their job a little easier. Keep watching this space in 2026 as we bring you more information and items of interest in our industry, and meanwhile, enjoy a safe and happy New Year! Here’s the latest:
Transport Canada
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has released the drafts of the update to safety standards CSA B620, CSA B621 and CSA B622 for a 60-day consultation period:
Safety standard CSA B620 sets out the requirements for the design, manufacture, assembly, modification, inspection, testing and repair of highway and TC portable tanks. The standard also prescribes registration requirements by Transport Canada (TC) of facilities, training organizations, design engineers and design review agencies for conducting the activities within the scope of the standard.
Safety standard CSA B621 sets out the selection and use requirements for highway and TC portable tanks transporting dangerous goods of Class 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8, and 9.
Safety standard CSA B622 sets out the selection and use requirements for highway and TC portable tanks transporting dangerous goods of Class 2.
In another notice, the Ministry published a new explanatory guide outlining CANUTEC, the Canada-based emergency response information center. Find that new guidance here:
Labelmaster/DGEO is a full-service provider of products, shipping and training software, and professional consulting services to assist the DG and HS&E professional to comply with national and international regulations. See our full line of solutions at www.labelmaster.com.
