Source: http://blog.thecompliancecenter.com/phmsa-update-reverse-logistics-ruling/
Timestamp: 2017-05-23 16:49:58
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Matched Legal Cases: ['art 173', '§171', '§171', '§171', '§173', '§177', '§171', '§172', '§172', 'art 172']

PHMSA Update - Reverse Logistics Ruling » ICC Regulatory Blog
PHMSA Update – Reverse Logistics Ruling
Posted on May 13, 2016 by The Compliance Center	A final rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT has been adopted into the regulation on March 31, 2016. This ruling is the HM-253 Reverse Logistics ruling (RRR).
PHMSA has adopted regulatory amendments of certain hazardous materials by highway transportation applicable to the reverse logistics shipments. This ruling defines “reverse logistics” and provides provisions for reverse logistics of hazardous materials inside the scope of this ruling.
I used to work in the automotive industry and I can think of many examples that in my time there where parts should’ve been handled as hazardous and were not. An example is that some automotive parts that would be purchased and powered by the vehicle engines would be returned to our stores after being used and contained residual fuel. When we would first receive the automotive part in from our supplier it contained no fuels and therefore was not hazardous. Once returned from the customer after being used now had residue. Which could create the potential for it to be hazardous and therefore pose a risk during transportation back to the supplier or manufacture. This would cause it to now be regulated. Though there are many scenarios, this is just one possibility.
How can this be done? Do the workers at the retail stores have to be trained now? What do this mean for us as shippers?
Well let’s start by defining what this actually means. The definition for reverse logistics in the 49 CFR means the process of offering for transport or transporting by motor vehicle goods from a retail store for return to its manufacturer, supplier, or distribution facility for the purpose of capturing value (e.g., to receive manufacturer’s credit), recall, replacement, recycling, or similar reason. This definition does not include materials that meet the definition of a hazardous waste as defined in this section.
It was noted within the petition for this rule making that reverse logistics shipments of hazardous materials were able to be classified as Other Regulated Material (ORM-D) and could be shipped under the “Consumer Commodity” shipping designation.
The regulations have updated and you will now find references throughout in regard to reverse logistics. More specifically you can find in part 173.157, newly added, the authorization for Reverse logistics – General requirements and exceptions for reverse logistics.
The regulatory text is as follows:
(a) Authorized hazardous materials. Hazardous materials may be offered for transport and transported in highway transportation under this section when they meet the definition of reverse logistics as defined under §171.8 of this subchapter. However, hazardous materials that meet the definition of a hazardous waste as defined in §171.8 of this subchapter are not permitted to be offered for transport or transported under this section. Hazardous materials authorized for transport according to a special permit as defined in §171.8 of this subchapter must be offered for transportation and transported as authorized by the special permit.
(1) Division 1.4G materials offered for transport and transported in accordance with §173.65 of this subchapter.
(5) Materials shipped under this paragraph (c) must also comply with the segregation requirements as required in §177.848.
(6) Shipments made under this section are subject to the incident reporting requirements in §171.15.
(d) Hazard communication. Hazardous materials offered for transportation and transported by private carrier in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section may use the marking “REVERSE LOGISTICS—HIGHWAY TRANSPORT ONLY—UNDER 49 CFR 173.157” as an alternative to the surface limited quantity marking found under §172.315(a). Size marking requirements found in §172.301(a)(1) apply.
(e) Training. (1) Any person preparing a shipment under this section must have clear instructions on preparing the reverse logistics shipment to the supplier, manufacturer, or distributor from the retail store. This includes information to properly classify, package, mark, offer, and transport. These instructions must be provided by the supplier, manufacturer, or distributor to ensure the shipment is correctly prepared for transportation or through training requirements prescribed under part 172 subpart H of this subchapter.
(i) Identify hazardous materials subject to the provisions of this section, verify compliance with the appropriate conditions and limitations, as well as ensure clear instructions from the manufacturer, supplier, or distributor associated with product’s origination or destination;
We can definitely see where some business will be able to make use of this regulatory change. Always remember to check the regulations for the most recent changes. Also be sure to make use of our regulatory helpline by calling ICC!
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