Regulatory Update – DOT Publishes Final Rule Updating Requirements for Air Transportation of Hazardous Materials The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) yesterday published a final rule in the Federal Register updating the regulations for air transportation of hazardous liquids. In this final rule, PHMSA is amending 49 CFR Section 173.27 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations to require closures of inner packagings containing liquids within a combination packaging intended for transportation by aircraft to be secured by a secondary means or, where a secondary closure cannot be applied or it is impracticable to apply, permit the use of a leak proof liner. These amendments are consistent with the 2011-2012 edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical Instructions). The final rule will take effect on July 1, 2012, and voluntary compliance is authorized as of May 16. For a copy of the final rule with details, go to www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-04-16/pdf/2012-8978.pdf.