335 ORM–D Materials

ORM-D (Other Regulated Material) material is a limited quantity of a hazardous material that presents a limited hazard during transportation due to its form, quantity, and packaging. Not all hazardous materials permitted to be shipped as a limited quantity can qualify as an ORM-D material. Some of the hazardous materials that qualify under the limited quantity provision are permitted a further exemption in 49 CFR 172.101 (column 8A) to be reclassified as an ORM-D material under 49 CFR 173.144 and renamed with the proper shipping name “Consumer Commodity,” which is defined in Appendix D. Effective January 1, 2021, the ORM-D category will be eliminated for materials intended for surface transportation. After this date, the mailability of materials previously fitting the description of ORM-D must be evaluated based on its eligibility under the applicable consumer commodity or mailable limited quantity categories.

The ORM-D category is only applicable for materials intended for surface transportation and is unique to the United States. ORM-D markings are prohibited from use with Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service, and all classes of international mail.

It is the responsibility of the mailer to know the correct DOT hazard class of a hazardous material before mailing (see 323).

When assistance is needed to determine eligibility for mailing, the mailer may request a ruling from the PCSC as outlined in 215.