Federal Register #2026-19741

PHMSA Regulatory Update: Incorporation of ASME Section XII and NBIC for Transport Tank Standards

PHMSA, part of the Department of Transportation, has finalized a rule updating hazardous materials regulations to incorporate key industry standards. - Government Buyer: - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Standards Organizations: - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors - Products/Services Referenced: - Construction and continued service of transport tanks - Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles (CTMVs): MC 331, MC 338, DOT 406, DOT 407, DOT 412 - Cryogenic Portable Tanks: UN T75 - Multi-Unit Tank Car Tanks: DOT 106A, DOT 110AW - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Incorporates by reference the 2015 editions of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XII and National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) Parts 2 and 3 - Allows use of ASME Section XII as an alternative to Section VIII, Division 1 for tank construction - Provides regulatory flexibility and potential cost savings for industry stakeholders - Addresses longstanding industry petitions and safety board recommendations - No specific procurement of products or services; this is a regulatory update impacting industry standards

Description

The Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is issuing a final rule amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations to incorporate by reference the 2015 edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XII, and the National Board Inspection Code. This rule authorizes the use of these standards for the construction and continued service of certain cargo tank motor vehicles, cryogenic portable tanks, and multi-unit tank car tanks. The amendments aim to provide increased regulatory flexibility and cost savings without compromising safety. The effective date of the rule is October 28, 2026.

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