2026–2027 Hazardous Materials Registration Cycle:
New Features & Important Dates

The 2026–2027 Hazardous Materials Registration cycle is almost here! Officially kicking off on July 1, 2026, and running through June 30, 2027, this year's registration period brings several updates and enhancements designed to streamline the process. However, these enhancements are more than system improvements—they are part of a broader effort to ensure accurate data, secure transactions, and a safer hazardous materials transportation system nationwide.

The newly updated 2026-2027 registration brochure will be available here. Be sure to visit the PHMSA website to download or print your copy for the latest guidance and requirements. Early registration for the upcoming season will begin June 1, 2026.

Modernizing Registration: What's New for 2026

PHMSA is modernizing the Hazardous Materials Registration Program to deliver a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly experience—while continuing to strengthen safety across the hazardous materials transportation system. As part of this transition, PHMSA advises registrants that it is moving towards an online only registration and payment system. In the future, all registrations and payments will be submitted electronically through the Department's new MOTUS (Latin for movement) system.

This modernization aligns with Executive Order 14247: Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account, advancing faster, more secure, and more efficient payment processes for our stakeholders.

Enhancements to PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Registration Program include the following:

• New integration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) MOTUS platform, making registration and management easier than ever by streamlining the registration process, improving data quality and reporting, and providing greater transparency and control for registrants.
   
• Allows businesses to provide additional information during registration to ensure compliance and accuracy.
   
• Paper checks will not be accepted in the future--please plan to use electronic payment methods.
   
• Partial refunds will no longer be issued for registrations.
   
• All business and physical addresses must be validated as part of the process.
   
• Identity Verification is now required to enhance security.
   
• Automatic updates to registration statuses to ensure real-time information.
   
• Requires users to claim a PHMSA company account to become the Company Record Owner and manage user access rights.
   
• Allows Transportation Service Providers to submit new registrations for companies.
   
• Allows only authorized users, as determined by the Company Record Owner, to submit renewals or amendments.

Strengthening Security and Protecting the System

As part of our commitment to safeguarding the registration process and preventing fraud, PHMSA has partnered with IDEMIA, a leading technology identity-related security firm, to implement identity document capture and verification services.

All new registrants will be required to complete an identity proofing and verification process through the Unified Registration System (URS) to obtain a registration. This added layer of security helps ensure the integrity of the program and protects both registrants and the broader transportation network.

Additional information and user guidance will be shared soon. Be sure to visit our website for the most up to date information. For additional information or if you have any questions, please reach out to our dedicated support team:

• PHMSA's Information Center: 1-800-467-4922. The Hazardous Materials Information Center provides live, one-on-one assistance Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
   
• Email: register@dot.gov
   

Stay tuned for more updates and make sure your registration is complete and up to date for a safe and compliant year ahead!

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (HM‑215R): Hazardous Materials, Harmonization with International Standards

On February 10, 2026, the Federal Register published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), HM-215R, titled "Hazardous Materials: Harmonization with International Standards." The NPRM was published under Docket No. PHMSA-2023-0111. The NPRM proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to adopt certain international regulations and standards related to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements.

The comment period for this NPRM closed on April 13, 2026. 

Hazardous Materials: Modernizing Regulations to Facilitate Transportation of Hazardous Materials Integral to Spacecraft Components and Payloads

On January 29, 2026, the Federal Register published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), HM-267, titled "Hazardous Materials: Modernizing Regulations to Facilitate Transportation of Hazardous Materials Integral to Spacecraft Components and Payloads." PHMSA is publishing this ANPRM under Docket No. PHMSA-2024-0065. The ANPRM seeks stakeholder input on potential revisions to the HMR to facilitate the safe transportation of hazardous materials integral to spacecraft components and payloads (i.e., the transportation of satellites, capsules, and related equipment to and from launch and recovery sites).

The comment period for this ANPRM closed on April 29, 2026.

Request for Feedback — Hazardous Materials: Hazardous Materials Transportation Risks with Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles Versus Internal Combustion Engine Motor Carriers

On February 2, 2026, PHMSA requested public input on the safety risks, operational challenges, and regulatory considerations associated with transporting hazardous materials using heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) motor carriers (i.e., gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles). PHMSA seeks to understand the potential impacts of the transition from ICE to EV motor carriers on hazardous materials packaging integrity, transportation safety, emergency response protocols, regulatory compliance, and overall vehicle risk. PHMSA may use the information gathered to develop a statement of work for further research on the safety of transporting hazardous materials in EVs.

The complete Request for Information (RFI) is available for review at: Request for Feedback on Hazmat Transportation Risks: Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles Versus Internal Combustion Engine Motor Carriers. PHMSA accepted comments through May 4th.

2026 Office of Hazardous Materials Safety Research and Development Forum: Innovation at the Intersection of Safety and Transportation

From March 31 through April 2, 2026, PHMSA's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) hosted its Hazardous Material Research and Development Forum, bringing together over 130 stakeholders from government, industry, and the public sector. As the first in-person OHMS research forum since 2020, this year's event was designed around a clear mission: maximize collaboration to drive meaningful safety outcomes. Participants came ready to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and shape the future of hazardous transportation materials.

Forum Highlights:

• Thematic Research Tracks: These tracks reflected the program's new research areas - Efficient Safety Standards, Innovative Packaging, Risk Reduction for Emergency Response, and Safe Energy Storage Technologies. Presentations highlighted both ongoing research and future opportunities, from small business partnerships advancing technologies like battery state-of-charge detection and dynamic package monitoring, to critical discussions on longstanding risks such as hazardous materials transport by rail.
   
• Fireside Chats: Two engaging sessions that emphasized the need for collaboration to bring novel science to real-world impact and to realize a safer future for transportation. Cutting edge science can impact safety, but only if innovators can cross the "valley of death" for technologies to reach deployment. DOT leaders from across the modes highlighted the potential of leveraging automation and advanced sensors to achieve a more connected, safer HAZMAT transportation landscape.
   
• Interactive Sessions: Energy and engagement were high during the forum's interactive sessions. The HAZMAT Challenge encouraged participants to work together to identify safety gaps, generate new ideas and think creatively about the future of transportation safety. Listening sessions provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to directly inform and validate PHMSA's research direction.
   
• Advancing Innovation: The expo showcased live prototype demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and created space for meaningful connections and new partnerships.
   

The level of engagement, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas shared throughout the forum was truly inspiring. PHMSA looks forward to building on this momentum, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to work alongside stakeholders to advance research that improves hazardous materials safety for everyone.

A standout moment of the forum was the launch of the first-ever R&D Expo, kicked off by PHMSA Administrator Paul Roberti and Deputy Administrator Ben Kochman -with a special appearance by fan-favorite mascot Hazardous Matt.

Advancing Railroad Hazardous Materials Response and Unified Command Coordination Event

March 10-12, 2026, PHMSA, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the American Association of Railroads (AAR) hosted the Railroad Hazardous Materials Thought Leaders Unified Command Workshop at the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) in Pueblo, Colorado. The event brought together hazmat stakeholders from the fire service, railroad and chemical industries, as well as federal, state, and local agencies.

The workshop focused on enhancing responses to rail-related hazardous materials emergencies through collaborative discussions centered on the Incident Command System and Unified Command frameworks. Participants explored the integration of railroads into Unified Command, strengthened coordination among stakeholders, and reinforced awareness of shared roles and responsibilities. Key response actions for major rail hazardous materials incidents were also reviewed, providing practical insights to improve operational effectiveness. Participants agreed that incorporation of railroad personnel into the Unified Command System is essential to ensuring the most effective and timely response to a hazardous materials incident involving rail tank cars.

The workshop supports PHMSA's ongoing efforts to encourage stakeholder collaboration to strengthen state and local preparedness activities and ensure a more coordinated and effective response to hazardous materials incidents involving rail transportation.

Air Line Pilots Association Air Cargo Symposium

February 25-26, 2026, Shane Kelley and Kevin Leary from PHMSA's International Program supported the Air Line Pilots Association Air Cargo Symposium. The event brought together representatives from a broad cross-section of pilot groups, government, and industry to examine the most pressing issues facing the air cargo sector and exchange strategies for strengthening safety and security standards in a rapidly evolving industry. The conference also explored the increasingly complex challenges facing civil aviation, including the integration of drones into commercial airspace, reduced-crew operations, and ongoing safety challenges posed by lithium batteries.

Mr. Kelley's keynote remarks updated attendees on recent safety measures adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization's Dangerous Goods Panel and ongoing work at the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods to improve baseline multimodal lithium battery classification and testing provisions. He reiterated PHMSA's commitment to working with the pilot community to ensure that the U.S. aviation safety system remains the safest and most efficient in the world.

Advancing Hazardous Materials Safety: Highlights from 2026 Cooperative Hazardous Materials Enforcement (COHMED) Conference

February 2-5, 2026, PHMSA Administrator, Paul Roberti joined Administrator Derek Barrs from FMCSA at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance 2026 COHMED Conference in San Antonio, TX to speak on the importance of our partnerships with the industry.

The COHMED Conference provides a unique opportunity for the hazmat community to present concerns and perspectives about enforcement of regulations. The information sharing and problem solving that takes at the conference, coupled with hands-on training and in-depth education is critical to building cooperation among stakeholders.
 

Hazardous Materials Training Publications

New Resource: Guide to Competent Authority Approvals
	The newly released brochure on Competent Authority Approvals (CAA) is designed to help users successfully navigate the approval process. This user-friendly guide offers step-by-step instructions for obtaining a CAA, specifically for the classification of self-reactive materials and organic peroxides. By securing a CAA, applicants can ensure their shipments are authorized and fully compliant with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The brochure provides practical insights and clear explanations, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking approval to transport these regulated materials safely and legally. For more details and to access the publication, visit: Guide to Competent Authority Approvals
New Resource: Nurse Tank Testing
	In response to catastrophic failures involving certain American Welding and Tank (AWT) units manufactured between 2007 and 2011, PHMSA recommends voluntary testing options to detect common safety issues that have been identified through studies sponsored by FMCSA such as stress corrosion cracking, improper manufacturing, and tank damage. This new brochure provides several non-destructive testing options to enhance safety pertaining to nurse tanks containing anhydrous ammonia. These testing options include periodic visual, thickness, pressure, radiographic, or ultrasonic testing. Read about it here: Nurse Tank Testing

Transporting Lithium Batteries

Lithium cells and batteries power many everyday devices—from phones and laptops to tools and vehicles—and are essential to modern, mobile life. As these batteries become increasingly energy-dense, they present greater safety risks, including potential fires during transport. To mitigate these risks, lithium batteries are regulated as hazardous materials under the HMR. Shippers play a critical role in ensuring compliance and safe transportation across all modes: air, highway, rail, and water.

For additional information on lithium batteries, access the webpage here: Transporting Lithium Batteries

Request for Comments for the 2028 Emergency Response Guidebook

PHMSA is reminding readers of the open period for comments on the 2028 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). To pursue our objective of continually improving the ERG, PHMSA welcomes comments on new methodologies and considerations for future editions of the guidebook.

Please submit any recommendations to improve the 2028 ERG to ERGComments@dot.gov.

Comments must be submitted by January 1, 2027, for consideration.

PHMSA develops compliance assistance materials that make it easier to understand and comply with the HMR. Electronic versions of these resources are available at: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/publications.

Additionally, the Hazardous Materials Information Center (HMIC) remains an essential resource for the transportation industry, general public and other PHMSA stakeholders in their efforts to safely package and/or transport hazardous materials across the United States and abroad. For more than 25 years, the HMIC has been staffed by highly trained specialists who are ready to assist with a wide range of regulatory questions pertaining to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180), as well as federal and state requirements.

The HMIC operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

For additional information contact:

The Hazardous Materials Info Center

1.800.HMR.4922 or (1.800.467.4922)

E-mail: infocntr@dot.gov

Website: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov

Questions or suggestions for the next newsletter?
Email Training@dot.gov, with the subject: "Newsletter."

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