Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.25 (Authorized packagings and overpacks) require?
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According to 49 CFR 173.25, authorized packages containing hazardous materials may be offered for transportation in an overpack if the following practical conditions are met:
1. General Package Standards: The package must meet the requirements of §§ 173.21 and 173.24.
2. Markings and Labels: The overpack must be marked with the proper shipping name and identification number (when applicable) and labeled as required for each hazardous material inside, unless the markings and labels representative of each material are already visible from the outside.
3. Orientation: If packages are subject to orientation marking requirements (§ 172.312), they must be packed with their filling holes pointing up. Additionally, the overpack must display package orientation marking arrows on two opposite vertical sides, pointing in the correct direction.
4. "OVERPACK" Marking: The overpack must be marked with the word “OVERPACK” (in lettering at least 12 mm or 0.5 inches high) whenever specification packagings are required, or when a Type A, Type B(U), Type B(M), or industrial package is required for Class 7 (radioactive) material. However, this "OVERPACK" marking is not required if the mandatory markings representative of each package type inside are visible from the outside. *(Note: For domestic transport, overpacks marked prior to Jan 1, 2017, under older rules may remain in service until the end of their useful life).*
5. Prohibited Mixes: Packages containing Packing Group I Class 8 (corrosive) materials or Packing Group I Division 5.1 (oxidizing) materials cannot be overpacked with any other materials.
6. Limited Quantities and ORM: For limited quantities and ORM materials, the overpack must display the applicable limited quantity or ORM marking unless the representative marking of the material inside is already visible.
7. Excepted Quantities: For excepted quantities, the overpack must display the required marking from § 173.4a unless it is visible.
Additionally, 49 CFR 173.25 outlines specific rules for using shrink-wrapped or stretch-wrapped trays as outer packagings for limited or consumer commodities, and for transporting POISON-labeled materials near foodstuffs.