# Qualex, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 03-0055  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2003-04-17

03-0055 response to Qualex, Inc. concerning 173.6.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
of Transportation
400 Seventh St., S.W.
Research and
Washington, D.C. 20590
Special Programs
Administration
APR 17 2003
DOT /Hazmat Coordinator
Mr. Dwight Fast
Ref. No. 03-0055
Qualex,
4020 Stirrup Creek Drive, Suite 211
Durham, NC
Dear Mr. Fast:
:
This is in response to your February 10, 2003 letter regarding
the applicability of the materials of trade (MOTS) exception
specified in § 173.6 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations
and answered below.
(HMR; 49 CER Parts 171-180). Your questions are paraphrased
hazardous materials in a Qualex vehicle from the Qualex mix
Q1. Would the MOTs exception apply to the carriage of
site to a Qualex distribution center.
Al. The answer is yes. Provided all of the applicable
conditions under § 173.6 are met, the MOTS exceptions would be
applicable to the above specified scenario.
hazardous materials in a Qualex vehicle from the Qualex
22. Would the MOTs exception apply to the carriage of
distribution center to a client site.
A2. See the answer to Question 1.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further
questions, please do not hesitate
to contact this office.
Sincerely,
Transportation Regulations Specialist
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
113.4
030055

<<<PAGE 2>>>

Goualex
BAH
a Kodak company
Qualex, inc.
4020 Stirrup Creek Drive
5173.6
Suite 211
MOTO
Durham, NC 27703
February 10, 2003
03-0055
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street, S. W.
Washington, DC 20590
Subject: Materials of Trade Interpretation
To: Regulatory Review Officer,
I would like to request a written regulatory interpretation of the Materials of Trade Exception under 49
CFR, Section 171.8. Do the following scenarios meet the Materials of Trade Exception provided that all
provisions under Section 173.6 are satisfied?
customers in the USA. A Qualex owned truck transports Photo Processing Supplies including chemistry
Facts - Qualex principal business is to maintain Qualex owned Photo Processing Mini-Labs at various
the Photo Process Chemicals is classified as a Hazardous Material Class 8, PG IH. Qualex drivers
from Qualex Mix Sites through a Qualex operated Distribution Center to the Customers Facility. One of
routinely deliver Photo Process Supplies to Customer Facilities. The customer does not order the supplies
supplies belongs to Qualex and is maintained by Qualex Accounting Department. The customer is
or contact Quatex unless there is a problem with the equipment. The inventory of the equipment and
invoiced by the number of pictures developed and never takes ownership of the equipment and supplies.
Site to Qualex Distribution Center covered under Materials of Trade Exception?
Scenario I - Is the shipment of Photo Processing Supplies in a Qualex owned truck from the Qualex Mix
Distribution Center to the Qualex Customer's Facility covered under the Material of Trade Exception?
Scenario 2 - Is the shipment of Photo Processing Supplies in a Qualex owned truck from the Qualex
with all regulatory requirements. If you have any questions concerning this request, please call me.
Qualex, Inc. takes its safety responsibilities very seriously and wants to make sure its activities comply
Sincerely,
Right Fust
Dwight Fast
DOT/Hazmat Coordinator
919-484-3489
Kodak Service & Support

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2003/030055.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `3e6c276c867897cd2548c3c679aff3d909b2e5814c9a70c5314b1bb5860019fa`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-23T16:33:31.423Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-03-0055`

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