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Final ruleTook effect Sept. 3, 2026

Hazardous Materials: Reducing Burdens on Domestic Companies Using Battery-Powered Equipment in Trades

Built by the Tribune's code from the Federal Register. No AI wrote this page. Published in the Federal Register Aug. 4, 2026. Document 2026-15823. Updated Nov. 7, 2026.

What it does

This final rule modernizes the Materials of Trade (MOT) exception in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) by increasing the maximum allowable quantities of lithium batteries that can be transported as MOTs. This increase removes an undue regulatory burden which constrains the ability of construction, landscaping, mowing, tree service, food service, and entertainment companies to perform their trade.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's summary, as published in the Federal Register.

What changed in the regulation

1 part of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations:

49 CFR 173

Wording on eCFR: the day before it took effect and from the day it took effect (first part listed).

Compared with

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has published 67 final rules in 2026 so far, compared with 42 in all of 2025.

Counted by the Tribune from Federal Register records since Jan. 1, 2025.

Before this

1 earlier Federal Register document under regulation identifier 2137-AG05 since Jan. 1, 2025.

What happens next and when

This final rule is effective September 3, 2026.

The agency's dates, word for word.

Document number2026-15823
ActionFinal rule.
AgenciesTransportation Department; Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
PublishedAug. 4, 2026
Effective dateSept. 3, 2026
Regulation identifier (RIN)2137-AG05
DocketPHMSA-2025-0091

Source: the Federal Register (public domain). The document in the Federal Register