Mailing Standards, New and Proposed Rules

39 CFR Part 111

Is that a typo? No, it is not. The 39 CFR Part 111 are the United States Post Office regulations regarding shipping hazardous materials in the mail. It is more commonly known as Publication 52 Hazardous Restricted, and Perishable Mail (Pub 52).

Two recent rules (one proposed and one final) were published in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Volume 87, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)
[FR Doc No: 2022-26072]
ACTION: Proposed rule for special standards; invitation to comment.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-11-30/pdf/2022-26072.pdf

Federal Register Volume 87, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)
[FR Doc No: 2022-26069]
New Mailing Standards for the Separation of Hazardous Materials
ACTION: Final rule.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-11-30/pdf/2022-26069.pdf

The first, a proposed rule, proposes to provide unique electronic service codes and to standardize extra service options for shipments of hazardous materials. This proposal would standard the acceptance and handling of shipments containing hazardous materials by collecting the necessary data to comply with the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR). The comment period is open until December 30, 2022. Complete details are available here.

The second is a final rule. This final rule establishes that mailers must be separate for hazmat and non-hazmat items. This will ensure that the appropriate marks and labels are clearly identifiable. In addition, damaged and defective lithium batteries must be clearly identified with specified markings and may be shipped only by surface transportation. The rule became effective December 1, 2022. Full details can be shown here.