Effective January 1, 2007, PHMSA adopted a shipping description sequence consisting of identification number first, followed by the proper shipping name, hazard class or division number, and packing group (e.g., UN1133, Adhesives, 3, PG II). This new shipping description sequence is mandatory on shipping documents prepared according to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. PHMSA adopted this shipping description sequence (see § 172.202(b)) with a 6-year transition period for mandatory compliance. Therefore, for domestic shipments, the shipping description sequence in effect on December 31, 2006 (proper shipping name, hazard class or division number, ID number, and packing group), may be used until January 1, 2013 (see § 171.14(e)).
Until January 1, 2013, the basic shipping paper sequence for listing the hazardous material information may use either sequence “A” or sequence “B” as shown below:
Sequence A
- Proper Shipping Name
- Hazard Class
- ID number
- Packaging Group
Sequence B
- ID number
- Proper Shipping Name
- Hazard Class
- Packaging Group
On and after January 1, 2013, ONLY sequence “B” may be used.