The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) today announced it is removing burdensome regulatory processes and requirements covering the transportation of low-hazard fireworks and certain other energetic materials. In its final rule titled Hazardous Materials: Streamlining Requirements for the Approval of Certain Energetic Materials (HM-257A), PHMSA is allowing manufacturers and shippers of certain energetic materials to move away from using antiquated and time-consuming classification and approval processes, to more streamlined procedures for transporting these materials by all modes.

The rule centers on a shift toward a modern, electronic-only system, designating the PHMSA portal as the sole method for submitting explosives approval applications. As part of the updated requirements, members of the fireworks industry will be allowed to employ a self-certification system for 17 distinct types of low-hazard ground devices—including fountains, sparklers, and smoke devices. The rule also resolves long-standing market uncertainty for the small arms sector by explicitly clarifying that cartridges containing tracer projectiles are eligible for self-classification as Division 1.4S materials.

PHMSA believes these updates will enhance regulatory flexibility, facilitate international trade, and reduce associated costs without compromising safety. PHMSA projects the rule will yield $2.2 million in net cost savings over a 10-year period, drastically slashing administrative paperwork burdens and unlocking much-needed supply chain flexibility.

The final rule can be accessed in the Federal Register here.