On June 4, 2011, Mexico became the first NAFTA member to adopt the GHS as a basis for national health and safety regulations, by proclaiming a new Mexican standard, NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011.

This standard will be based on the Purple Book (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals), published by the United Nations. However, unlike the changes planned for the United States and Canada, this standard is voluntary. It will allow use of the GHS to be in compliance with the existing standard NOM-018-STPS-2000, which covers classification, labeling and safety data sheets. Suppliers may, however, choose to remain in compliance with the existing standard, without updating to GHS.

Unfortunately, there has not yet been an English translation of this new standard published. Further information (in Spanish) can be found at:

http://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5166277&fecha=04/11/2010

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact ICC The Compliance Center Inc at 1-888-442-9628 (USA) or 1-888-977-4834 (Canada).

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), has recently published a summary of changes that will be seen in the 2012 edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
 
Some rather extensive changes to aspects such as packaging have been introduced this year in the DGR 52^nd edition. The changes for the 53^rd edition, that will take effect January 1, 2012 will be more limited, and are designed in most cases to refine or simplify requirements, rather than create new ones or change requirements significantly.
 
The expected changes include:
 

• Provisions for limited quantity packaging will be consolidated in section 2.7.5, moving some information from its current location section 5.0.
• Special provision A44 has been revised to clarify compatibility and packing group requirements for chemical and first aid kits.
• Special provision A802 has been created, to require that entries to the List of Dangerous Goods without packing groups, but with a requirement for UN specification packaging, must use packaging rated at least to the Packing Group II level.
• Special Provision A803 will require that all corrosives in Class 8, Packing Group III be packed in packaging that meets at least Packing Group II standards.(except for limited quantities).
• Special Provision A804 will reaffirm that Gallium and Mercury must be shipped in packaging that meets Packing Group I standards.
• Special Provision A805 will clarify that Dry ice may be packed directly into an overpack without an intervening packaging.
• For lithium metal and lithium ion batteries, additional notes have been added regarding testing requirements for refurbished or otherwise altered batteries. Clarification has been added for carrying lithium batteries as passenger baggage when they are subject to the sections of Section II of the relevant packing instructions.
• The requirements for marking overpacks have been clarified to show specifically which markings must be reproduced on the outside of the overpack when not visible through the overpack.
• The method of describing multiple overpacks on the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods has been expanded on, to align with the markings requirements for overpacks.
• The provisions for information that must be provided on the air waybill or dangerous goods that do not require Shipper’s Declarations (such as Dry ice and Magnetized materials) has been revised
• Appendix H will include a summary of the regulatory changes that will be expected to come into effect on January 1, 2013 for the 54^th Edition of the DGR.

 
If you have any questions regarding this document, or shipping dangerous goods by air in general, please contact ICC Compliance Center Inc at 1-888-442-9628 (USA) or 1-888-977-4834 (Canada).

FedEx implemented computer generated shipping papers that had to be generated using an approved error checking software.

Additional changes for FedEx Ground will become effective Aug. 1, 2011. All shipments will require all hazardous materials paperwork to be completed and submitted electronically using a FedEx® electronic shipping solution, a FedEx-recognized hazardous materials vendor software application, a FedEx® Compatible Solutions Program application or a custom solution that has the ability to transmit hazardous materials shipping information electronically. For more information on these new requirements visit http://www.fedex.com/us/hazardous-materials/current-requirements/index.html.

ICC The Compliance Center offers a simple solution in DG Office. This software allows you to complete forms electronically and submit to FedEx per their requirements.

Sign up for a free demo by visiting our website at:

http://www.thecompliancecenter.com/services/dgoffice.htm.