Member Committees, Working Groups, & Initiatives

As a COSTHA member, you have the opportunity to shape the future of your industry by engaging in roundtables and working groups / panels. These groups evolve to address emerging challenges, fostering collaboration to develop solutions that benefit the regulated industry. Active groups maintain reports detailing their objectives / goals, accomplishments, and history, which are available here. Some groups may be identified as "Report Out Only" or "Paused" as indicated below. 

• Report Out Only
  Groups identified as “Participate in Meetings / Report Out Only” remain engaged in ongoing regulatory and industry activities, including monitoring and commenting on rulemakings, participating in meetings with regulators and authorities, and sharing relevant updates with members.

  At this time, there are no specific industry challenges requiring active working group initiatives. However, as new issues or regulatory concerns emerge, the group may become more active in collaborating on potential solutions, developing industry positions, and supporting member engagement.

  Members are encouraged to bring forward any emerging issues, operational concerns, or regulatory challenges for group consideration and discussion.

• Paused
  Groups identified as “Paused” were established to address specific industry challenges or regulatory issues that have since been resolved, deferred, or placed on hold pending additional information or data.

  While these groups are not currently active, they remain available for reactivation as needed. If new developments arise, additional data becomes available, or new industry concerns emerge, the group may reconvene to collaborate on potential solutions, develop industry positions, and support member engagement on the issue.

Interested in joining a group? Reach out to Anne at Anne@costha.com 

Association Management Committees:

Board of Directors

COSTHA’s board represents the diverse segments of our membership and key regulatory areas. As a proactive steering committee, the board provides strong leadership and oversight to guide the organization. They play a critical role in driving member initiatives which help COSTHA evolve and adapt to meet future challenges. The board reviews comments, petitions, and international papers to make sure that proposed regulatory changes bring meaningful benefits to all members.

Finance Committee

COSTHA’s Finance Committee, composed of Executive Committee members from the Board of Directors, is instrumental in maintaining smooth operations. By developing budgets and meeting monthly, the committee’s dedicated efforts support COSTHA’s growth and help expand its projects and services for the benefit of members.

Issue-Driven Working Groups:

Aerosol Working Group - Paused

The Aerosol Working Group convenes to address transportation regulations, enforcement trends, and emerging issues impacting the safe transportation of aerosol products.

Battery Working Group - Report Out Only

The Battery Working Group convenes to address current transportation issues, regulations, enforcement trends, and emerging technologies related to batteries and devices. Their work supports the UN Informal Working Group on Lithium Batteries.

DG Supply Chain Logistics / Transportation Panel

The Dangerous Goods Supply Chain Logistics Transportation Panel was formed to address key issues, including awareness and education, vessel port restrictions, and other related challenges.

Explosives Working Group

The Explosives Working Group addresses challenges faced by manufacturers and shippers, including testing costs and transportation obstacles. This group offers an opportunity to engage with regulators on explosives-related issues.

Life Sciences Roundtable

The Life Sciences industry encompasses fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, and more. This group addresses global transportation challenges, including packaging, cold chain logistics, and trade compliance.

Packaging Working Group

The Packaging Working Group brings members together to address shared packaging challenges, evaluate data needs, and collaborate on practical, industry-wide solutions for dangerous goods packaging.

COSTHA's International Influence:

Canada Working Group - Report Out Only

The Canada Working Group is vital for members operating in or shipping to/from Canada. The group collaborates with key stakeholders in Transport Canada, and COSTHA’s representation on the GPAC and MACTDG provides early notice of proposed regulations and the opportunity to advise on their potential impact to the industry.

China Working Group - Report Out Only

The China Working Group focuses on TDG regulations in China and engages with key industry and government stakeholders.

Mexico Working Group - Report Out Only

The Mexico Working Group offers a platform for members with facilities in Mexico to address member-related questions regarding transportation and reciprocity. COSTHA participates in the Mexico SICT Subcommittee No. 1 on Ground Transport of Hazardous Materials and Residues, as well as the SICT Working Group, where we advocate for alignment with UN Model Regulations and updates to the NOMs.

Collaboration to Influence Regulations:

Air Carrier Roundtable (ACRT)

The ACRT is dedicated to promoting the safe and efficient transportation of dangerous goods in the aviation industry through petitions, regulatory comments, education, and more. The group collaborates with regulators (PHMSA/FAA) and industry partners to advocate for regulatory alignment and clarification.
Application and Policy for ACRT Membership and Meeting Attendance

North American Automotive HazMat Action Committee (NAAHAC)

NAAHAC is made up of global automotive companies and their key suppliers. The group focuses on crafting informed responses to hazmat and dangerous goods regulations, while working to educate regulators and propose practical solutions.

US Postal Service Group - Report Out Only

COSTHA values its strong working relationship with the USPS and the Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) in keeping members informed about mailing requirements and updates to mailing standards. COSTHA actively participates in the US Postal Service Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) and responds to USPS rulemakings, advocating for regulatory alignment with US DOT regulations and promoting ongoing harmonization.

Initiatives:

Enhancing the Image of the Hazmat/DG Professional Membership Initiative (EIHM/DGP) Panel

COSTHA has reintroduced its EIHM/DGP initiative to raise awareness and recognition of this critical function within companies, the industry, government, and the public. Through this initiative, members gain access to educational and professional development sessions, job description and salary surveys, outreach / awareness of DG profession, mentoring programs, and more.