2025 HazMat Industry Updates: First Quarter Key Insights

HazMat Regulatory changes are coming fast in 2025, and our quarterly webinar broke down the updates that matter most. From PHMSA penalty increases to USPS packaging rules and new battery classifications, here are the key highlights to keep your team compliant and prepared. Want to learn more? Watch our Q1 2025 webinar and sign up for our Q2 webinar today. Staying up to date has never been easier.

US DOT and PHMSA updates

PHMSA Increases Civil Penalties

Fines for hazmat violations are up for 2025, now ranging from $617 to over $238K. Stay compliant to avoid steep penalties.

PHMSA Approves Use of 2025 ICAO/IMDG

A December 2024 enforcement notice allows U.S. shippers to use the latest ICAO and IMDG rules for air and ocean shipments.

USPS Updates

USPS Final Rule Effective Jan 2025

USPS has issued a final rule updating Publication 52 to require tougher outer packaging for hazardous materials and non-regulated toxic materials. Some lithium battery shipments may use padded bags if drop-test criteria are met.

Canadian TDG Updates

111 Tank Cars

To align with Transport Canada’s ongoing tank car safety initiatives, effective May 1, 2025, Class 111 and CPC-1232 tank will no longer be permitted for the import, offering, handling, or transport of Class 3 flammable liquids in Canada.

CID developments:

Site Registration under TDGR is in effect. Fines may apply if you haven’t registered yet.

OSHA and Health Canada Updates

Reminder – OSHA Implementation Dates:

OSHA’s revised Hazard Communication Standard, now aligned with GHS Revision 7, is in effect. Compliance deadlines are approaching for substances by January 2026, and for mixtures by July 2027. Make sure your labels and SDSs are on track to meet the new requirements.

Sodium-ion batteries – a deep dive

Sodium-ion batteries are a new type of battery. Their properties are similar to lithium-ion batteries but have some advantages, such as lower cost and easier recycling. For 2025, the IMDG Code, ICAO Technical Instructions, and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations have added four new UN numbers for shipping sodium-ion batteries as standalones or in or with equipment. While the U.S. DOT and Transport Canada haven’t yet incorporated them into their national regulations, there are workarounds that will allow you to use these new descriptions for ground transport as well.

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