Harmonization With the United Nations Recommendations and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

Summary: This final rule updates three incorporations by reference in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to include the most recent amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Recommendations) and the UN Recommendations Manual of Tests and Criteria. This action is necessary to facilitate the continued transport of hazardous materials in international commerce by vessel and to authorize compliance with the updated UN Recommendations and UN Recommendations Manual of Tests and Criteria when these international standards become effective. Action is being deferred on the proposal to incorporate the 2001-2002 edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical Instructions) because it will not be authorized for use until July 1, 2001.