What does 49 CFR 172.203 (Additional description requirements) require?

Short answer

Four things, and you need all of them:

1. The notation DOT-SP followed by the special permit number for shipments under a special permit

2. The technical name of the component that is not appropriately identified in the n.o.s. description for certain mixtures

3. The name of the component that makes the material a marine pollutant in parentheses for marine pollutants

4. The words "Marine Pollutant" entered in association with the basic description for marine pollutants

The rule says

"Each shipping paper issued in connection with a shipment made under a special permit must bear the notation DOT-SP followed by the special permit number assigned and located so that the notation is clearly associated with the description to which the special permit applies." (49 CFR 172.203(a))

"If the n.o.s. description for the material (other than a mixture of hazardous materials of different classes meeting the definitions of more than one hazard class) contains the name of the chemical element or group which is primarily responsible for the material being included in the hazard class indicated." (49 CFR 172.203)

"For a proper shipping name used to describe a hazardous material that is a marine pollutant, either assigned the letter G in column (1) of the 172.101 hazardous materials table, or that contains the text n.o.s., the name of the component that makes the material a marine pollutant must appear in parentheses in association with the basic description." (49 CFR 172.203(l)(1))

"The words Marine Pollutant shall be entered in association with the basic description for a material which is a marine pollutant." (49 CFR 172.203(l)(2))

In plain English

These requirements are about making sure shipping papers for hazardous materials have all the necessary information to ensure safe transportation. This includes special permits, technical names for certain components, and clear identification of marine pollutants. The notation for special permits helps track and verify the shipment, while the technical names and marine pollutant identification provide critical information for handling and emergency response. Inspectors will check shipping papers for compliance with these requirements.

What to do

• Verify that all shipments under special permits include the required notation and permit number on the shipping paper
• Ensure that the technical name of the component is included in parentheses for certain mixtures
• Include the name of the component that makes the material a marine pollutant in parentheses for marine pollutants
• Enter the words "Marine Pollutant" in association with the basic description for marine pollutants