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Interpretation Response #02-0175


Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 12-12-2002
Company Name: Gulf States Intermodal    Individual Name: Ned Williams
Location state: LA    Country: US

View the Interpretation Document


Response text:

Dec 12, 2002

Mr. Ned Williams                 Reference No. 02-0175
General Manager
Gulf States Intermodal
7300 North Peters Street
Arabi, Louisiana 70032

Dear Mr. Williams:

This responds to your letter regarding whether it is permissible to use foreign language text on placards displayed an portable tanks (approximately 6,000 gallons capacity) imported or exported to, or from the United States by water in accordance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code: I apologize for the delay in responding and hope it has not caused any inconvenience.

Text indicating a hazard on a placard, other than the RADIOACTIVE, DANGEROUS, or OXYGEN placards, is not required.  When hazardous materials are offered for transportation or transported under the provisions of § 171.12, import/export shipments by Water, a placard conforming to the specifications in the IMDG Code may be used in place of a corresponding placard which conforms to the placarding requirements of the HMR, except that a bulk packaging, transport vehicle, or freight container containing a material poisonous by inhalation must be placarded in accordance with subpart F of part 172 of the HMR.  Placards conforming to specifications in the IMDG Code may contain foreign language inscriptions or text indicating a hazard (e.g., text displayed in French, Japanese, etc., words). (See §§ 171.12 and 172.519).

I hope this information is helpful.  If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.

Sincerely,

Delmer F. Billings
Chief, Standards Development
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

171.12 - 172.519


Regulation Sections

Section Subject
§ 171.12 North American Shipments