Transportation – Different Countries, Different Rules

By: Kirsten Alcock, Manager of Product Safety, email

One of the things I stress when working with my clients is the need to understand the transportation rules for the country you want to ship to. Different countries have different rules.

One classification that has always stumped my clients is NA1993. Note that I say NA and not UN. There is a difference.  As per the DOT regulations, “Those preceded by the letters “NA” are associated with proper shipping names not recognized for transportation outside of the United States.” In the US, there is a unique classification: Combustible liquid, n.o.s. This shipping name is used for NA1993. It is important to note that this is not the same as UN1993 which is for Flammable Liquids, N.O.S. There are different requirements for both of them.

In accordance with §173.150  Exceptions for Class 3 (flammable and combustible liquids), (1) A flammable liquid with a flash point at or above 38 °C (100 °F) that does not meet the definition of any other hazard class may be reclassed as a combustible liquid. This provision does not apply to transportation by vessel or aircraft, except where other means of transportation are impracticable.

It is important that you read this section completely to determine when this classification can and should be used. This section indicates the different requirements for bulk vs non-bulk for this particular classification.

If you are shipping in the US and your flash point is greater than 100°F, you may be able to use this classification. Contact us at Dell Tech. We can advise if you can ship your product using NA1993. Our in-house experts have the knowledge to help you comply with the current regulations.

In Canada, consider registering for CANUTEC in case of adverse events.

Don’t hesitate and contact us today.

Contact:
Dell Tech
Kirsten Alcock, B.Sc. (Hons) 
Manager, Product Safety Group
519-858-5074
kirsten@delltech.com


Dell Tech has provided professional, confidential consulting services to the chemical specialty industry in Canada, the USA, Europe, and Asia for the last 40 years.

Contact us today for more information.

www.delltech.com

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