What does 49 CFR 171.25 (Additional requirements for the use of the IMDG Code) require?

Short answer

Four things, and you need all of them:

1. Conform to the requirements in part 176 of this subchapter for shipments by vessel, and to parts 174 and 177 for transportation by rail or highway prior to or subsequent to transportation by vessel.

2. Placard the motor vehicle or rail car in accordance with subpart F of part 172 of this subchapter for transportation by rail or highway.

3. Comply with the segregation requirements of Part 7, Chapter 7.2 of the IMDG Code for transportation by highway or rail under the provisions of subpart C of part 171.

4. Mark or label packages containing lithium metal cells or batteries, or lithium ion cells or batteries, as specified in the regulation.

The rule says

"A hazardous material may be offered for transportation or transported to, from or within the United States by vessel, and by motor carrier and rail in accordance with the IMDG Code (IBR, see 171.7), as authorized in 171.22, provided all or part of the movement is by vessel." (49 CFR 171.25(a))

"Unless specified otherwise in this subchapter, a shipment must conform to the requirements in part 176 of this subchapter." (49 CFR 171.25(b)(1))

"For transportation by vessel, the stowage and segregation requirements in Part 7 of the IMDG Code may be substituted for the stowage and segregation requirements in part 176 of this subchapter." (49 CFR 171.25(b)(2))

"The outside of each package containing lithium metal cells or batteries (UN3090) or lithium ion cells or batteries (UN3480) transported in accordance with special provision 188 of the IMDG Code must be appropriately marked PRIMARY LITHIUM BATTERIESFORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT, LITHIUM METAL BATTERIESFORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT, LITHIUM ION BATTERIESFORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT, or LITHIUM BATTERIESFORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT, or labeled with a CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY label as specified in 172.448 of this subchapter." (49 CFR 171.25(b)(3))

In plain English

When using the IMDG Code for shipping hazardous materials, you must follow specific requirements for vessel, rail, and highway transportation. This includes conforming to certain parts of the regulation for each mode of transportation, placarding vehicles, and following segregation requirements. Additionally, packages containing lithium batteries must be properly marked or labeled. These requirements ensure safe transportation and handling of hazardous materials.

What to do

• Verify that your shipment conforms to the requirements in part 176 of this subchapter for vessel transportation, and to parts 174 and 177 for rail or highway transportation.
• Ensure that the motor vehicle or rail car is properly placarded in accordance with subpart F of part 172 of this subchapter.
• Comply with the segregation requirements of Part 7, Chapter 7.2 of the IMDG Code for transportation by highway or rail under the provisions of subpart C of part 171.
• Properly mark or label packages containing lithium metal cells or batteries, or lithium ion cells or batteries, as specified in the regulation.