PHMSA plays a leading role in ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous
materials throughout the United States by all modes. Because of the ongoing Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, there has been a notable increase in the
demand for products used for sanitization purposes - many of which contain alcohol and may be
considered a hazardous material for transportation as defined by the Hazardous Materials
Regulations (HMR, 49 CFR Parts 171-180). PHMSA is aware of multiple companies
throughout the country that will be producing products such as hand sanitizer and other alcohol based
products to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency under specific FDA
guidance. To facilitate the increased availability of products during this public health
emergency, PHMSA intends to provide temporary relief from certain HMR requirements while
continuing to maintain an appropriate level of safety for companies that are producing products
under the FDA guidance. The relief provided herein is for the highway mode only. Shipments
by other modes of transportation must meet all requirements of the hazardous materials
regulations unless relief has been provided elsewhere.