Ask X3What does 49 CFR 172.204 (Shipper's certification) require?
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Short answer
49 CFR 172.204 requires the shipper to certify that the hazardous material is offered for transportation in accordance with the regulations by printing a certification on the shipping paper. The certification must be legibly signed by a principal, officer, partner, or employee of the shipper or their agent.
The rule says
"Each person who offers a hazardous material for transportation shall certify that the material is offered for transportation in accordance with this subchapter by printing (manually or mechanically) on the shipping paper containing the required shipping description the certification contained in paragraph (a)(1) of this section." (49 CFR 172.204(a))
"The certifications required by paragraph (a) or (c) of this section: (1) Must be legibly signed by a principal, officer, partner, or employee of the shipper or his agent" (49 CFR 172.204(d)(1))
In plain English
The certification must be signed by an authorized person, such as a principal, officer, partner, or employee of the shipper or their agent.
What to do
- Ensure the shipping paper includes the required certification statement.
- Verify the certification is legibly signed by an authorized person.
- Review the shipping paper for accuracy and completeness before offering the hazardous material for transportation.
- Maintain records of the certification and shipping paper for auditing purposes.