What does 49 CFR 173.340 (Tear gas devices) require?

Based on 49 CFR 173.340, here are the requirements for transporting tear gas devices:

* Prior Approval: Packagings for tear gas devices must be approved by the Associate Administrator before initial transportation.

* Firing/Functioning Elements: Tear gas devices cannot be packed with mechanically- or manually-operated firing, igniting, bursting, or other functioning elements unless that specific type and design has also been approved by the Associate Administrator.

* Packaging Standards: Tear gas grenades, candles, and similar devices must meet Part 178 requirements at the Packing Group II performance level and be packed in one of the following ways:

1. Metal or Metal-Strapped Wooden Boxes (UN 4A, 4B, 4N, 4C1, 4C2, 4D, or 4F): Unassembled functioning elements must be in a separate compartment or inner/separate outer box and cushioned to prevent contact with each other or box walls. Maximum limits per box are 50 tear gas devices and 50 functioning elements, with a maximum gross weight of 35 kg (77 pounds).

2. Drums (UN 1A2, 1B2, 1N2, or 1H2): Functioning elements must be in a separate inner packaging or compartment. Maximum limits per drum are 24 tear gas devices and 24 functioning elements, with a maximum gross weight of 35 kg (77 pounds).

3. Fiberboard Boxes (UN 4G): Inside tear gas devices must meet Specifications 2P or 2Q and be placed in fiberboard tubes with metal ends or a fiber box with suitable padding. Maximum limits are 30 inner packagings per outer box, with a maximum gross weight of 16 kg (35 pounds).

4. Other Approved Packagings: Any other packaging type or design approved by the Associate Administrator.

* U.S. Department of Defense Shipments: Tear gas devices may be shipped completely assembled if offered by or consigned to the U.S. DoD, provided the functioning elements are packed to prevent accidental functioning, and the outer packaging is a UN 4A, 4B, 4N metal box or a UN 4C1, 4C2, 4D, or 4F metal-strapped wooden box.