Interpretation Response #21-0052
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Amazon
Individual Name: Marianna Patterson
Location State: DC Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
July 29, 2021
Ms. Marianna Patterson
Manager, Amazon Public Policy
Amazon
601 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Reference No. 21-0052
Dear Ms. Patterson:
This letter is in response to your May 12, 2021, email and previous phone conversations requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to packaging of lithium batteries. Specifically, you ask whether a flexible overpack can be used to transport smaller lithium cells or batteries contained in equipment, which are packaged in retail packaging. Furthermore, you indicate the retail packaging is sturdy, durable, constructed to retain the contents under normal conditions of transportation, and meets the outer packaging requirements of § 173.185.
The answer is yes. The HMR defines an overpack (see § 171.8)—except as provided in subpart K of part 178—as "an enclosure that is used by a single consignor to provide protection or convenience in handling of a package or to consolidate two or more packages." Therefore, if the retail packaging meets the outer packaging requirements for smaller lithium cells or batteries contained in equipment (i.e., packaging requirements of the HMR including §§ 173.24, 173.24a, and 173.185), the flexible packaging would meet the definition of an overpack.
See § 173.25 for additional overpack requirements.
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Dirk Der Kinderen
Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division
171.8, 173.24, 173.24a, 173.25, 173.185