About the Standards and Rulemaking Division

The Standards and Rulemaking Division is located in Washington, DC and led by the Division Director. The Division is responsible for all aspects of rulemakings, letters of interpretation and controlled correspondence, petitions for rulemaking, NTSB recommendations, administrative appeals, paperwork reduction initiatives, international position papers and agenda, and outreach. Please contact the Standards and Rulemaking Division with questions or for further assistance. Furthermore, visit the regulations map for general information about the standards and rulemaking process.

Mission

"To develop regulations governing the safe and secure transportation of hazmat in commerce and provide guidance and assistance to the regulated community and other stakeholders to foster required and voluntary compliance."

Branches

We achieve our mission though three distinct Branches, each with a very specific roles and responsibilities. The Branches within the Division provide services in the following functional areas:

Standards Development Branch (PHH-11)

This Branch is responsible for the development safety and security standards for the transportation of hazardous materials by all modes of transportation. The standards-setting process requires the examination of concerns expressed by government and non-government entities and requires a thorough knowledge of technological advancements, economic conditions, incident history, and regulatory activities of other agencies. The Branch works to identify the most appropriate amendments to the HMR and to notify the public, as appropriate.

Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch (PHH-12)

This Branch is responsible for improving the quality of existing and future regulations through review and revision. Regulatory modifications take place in response to technological advancements, improved hazardous materials packaging, and changes in economic factors. In many cases these innovations and changes are permitted only by Special Permit although safety experience of use of these permits allows for eventual incorporation into the HMR. Investigation of technological developments and reassessments of the risks of certain quantities and forms of materials may indicate that certain regulations are no longer essential. The Branch serves as the central source of data and information for the modal operating administration of the Department relative to termination of Special Permits by regulatory modifications and to the elimination of regulations no longer considered necessary.

General Approvals and Permits Branch (PHH-13)

This branch is responsible for issuing special permits and general approvals. Additional information on general approvals and special permits is available here:

• https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/general-approvals/general-approvals-overview
• https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/special-permits/special-permits-overview

International Program (PHH-4) (Previously known as PHH-13)

PHMSA's International Program provides leadership in the development of international hazardous materials transportation safety standards. The program draws on PHMSA's technical expertise, stakeholder participation, and multi-modal collaboration to support the development of innovative global transport safety standards to support alternative and sustainable energy sources, new technologies, and process innovations. Additional information on the international program is available here: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/international-program/international-program-overview.

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