Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-15818
Final Rule: Transport of Refrigerating Machines with Low Flammability Refrigerant Gases
Buyer
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation
Posted
August 04, 2026
Identifier
2026-15818
This final rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), under the Department of Transportation, updates regulations for transporting refrigerating machines with low flammability refrigerant gases. - Government Buyer: - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT) - OEMs and Standards Organizations Mentioned: - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) - American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - Products/Standards Referenced: - Refrigerating machines and components containing up to 5,000 lbs of certain low flammability refrigerant gases - ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34 (2024 edition): Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants - Globally Harmonized System (GHS) 9th Edition for chemical classification - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Incorporates DOT Special Permit 21379 into regulation - Allows higher refrigerant charge limits for transport (up to 5,000 lbs) - Updates references to the latest safety and classification standards - Removes outdated rail reporting and obsolete publications - Supports transition away from certain hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants as required by the AIM Act - No specific procurement, product purchase, or contract award is involved in this rulemaking
Description
This final rule adopts the provisions of U.S. Department of Transportation special permit 21379 to streamline the transportation of refrigerating machines and components containing certain low flammability refrigerant gases. The rule removes undue regulatory burdens and facilitates the transport of large refrigerating machines affected by the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. It incorporates updated standards such as ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34 (2024 edition) to include additional refrigerants. The rule is effective September 3, 2026, and aims to reduce regulatory burdens and costs for shippers and the federal government.