COSTHA Petitions DOT to prevent new burdensome regulations

Special Permit 9275 has been fully utilized by the US industry for over 25 years. The permit allows the shipment of beverages, foods, cosmetics and medicines, medical screening solutions, and concentrates containing ethyl alcohol classed as a flammable liquid or as solids containing a flammable liquid containing ethyl alcohol without having to meet some of the more burdensome hazmat transportation regulations (package markings, specification packaging, shipping papers, etc.).

The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) has been informed by the US DOT this special permit is being modified and will now require two package markings –

• “Company Name”  and
• “Contains Ethyl Alcohol, exempted quantity”.

Many of the COSTHA member companies would be adversely impacted by this decision and we have launched an initiative to prevent this potentially burdensome modification.

COSTHA contracted with a laboratory to conduct tests in compliance with DOT’s package performance standards on commonly used product packaging to verify that an equivalent level of safety is provided and has filed a petition for rulemaking to codify the provisions of current Special Permit 9275, including the packaging provisions and exceptions in the federal hazardous materials transportation regulations.

This is the first of three projects that COSTHA is undertaking to “Realign Regulation with Risk”. The next two projects will focus on finished cosmetics and finished pharmaceuticals.

If your company is impacted by any of the three initiatives mentioned here, we ask for your support. Click here for more information on how you can help with these important efforts.

The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc. - (COSTHA) is a not-for-profit industry association devoted to promoting regulatory compliance and safety in the international and domestic transportation of hazardous materials. Membership consists of a large cross section from all aspects of the hazardous materials transportation industry including chemical, automobile, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and fragrance manufacturers as well as freight forwarders, shippers and carriers by all modes. The diverse membership is rounded out by consultants, dangerous goods trainers and container manufacturers and reconditioners.

COSTHA holds consultative status and actively participates at the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. COSTHA provides input on proposed regulations and is in frequent contact with the US Department of Transportation, the US Coast Guard, US Environmental Protection Agency, Transport Canada and other regulatory bodies.

COSTHA At A Glance
COSTHA Petition
DOT Show Cause Letter
DOT Draft Revised SP9275
COSTHA Coalition – Can you help?

COSTHA

7803 Hill House Court

Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Phone: 703/451-4031  Fax: 703/451-4207
mail@costha.com  www.costha.com