Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.4a (Excepted quantities) require?
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Short answer
49 CFR 173.4a requires excepted quantities of materials to meet specific requirements, including proper classification, incident reporting, and packaging testing. Excepted quantities are not subject to all requirements of the subchapter, but must still comply with certain sections, such as 171.15 and 171.16 for incident reporting.
The rule says
"Excepted quantities of materials, other than articles (e.g., aerosols), are not subject to requirements of this subchapter except for: (1) The shipper's responsibilities to properly class their material in accordance with 173.22 of this subchapter; (2) Sections 171.15 and 171.16 of this subchapter pertaining to the reporting of incidents; and (3) For a Class 7 (Radioactive) material the requirements for an excepted package." (49 CFR 173.4a)
In plain English
Excepted quantities are small amounts of hazardous materials that are exempt from some regulations, but not all. Shippers still need to properly classify their materials and report incidents. For radioactive materials, there are additional requirements. The goal is to ensure safe transportation while reducing regulatory burdens for small quantities. Inspectors will check for proper classification, incident reporting, and packaging compliance.
What to do
- Ensure proper classification of excepted quantities in accordance with 173.22
- Comply with incident reporting requirements in sections 171.15 and 171.16
- Meet packaging testing requirements for excepted quantities
- For Class 7 (Radioactive) materials, follow requirements for excepted packages