# ComSonics, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 08-0147  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2008-07-02

08-0147 response to ComSonics, Inc. concerning 173.185, 175.10.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

U.S. Department
of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety
Administration
JUL 2 2008 1200 New Jersey Ave.. S E
Washington. DC 20590
Mr. Daniel Brown
Product Support and Development Specialist
ComSonics, Inc.
13 50 Port Republic Road
P.O. Box 1 106
Hamsonburg, VA 22801
Ref. No. 08-0147
Dear Mr. Brown:
This is in response to your May 22,2008 letter requesting clarification of the Hazardous
Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171 -1 80) applicable to lithium batteries.
Specifically, you ask whether a secondary lithium battery is considered "small" if its
equivalent lithium content (ELC) is less than 8 grams. You ask if there are any ground
restrictions for such a battery and whether it is subject to the United Nations (UN) Manual of
Tests and Criteria tests T1 through T8.
On August 9,2007, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) amended
the HMR to enhance the safe transportation of lithium batteries, including both primary (non-
rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) lithium batteries (HM-224C & HM-224E; 72 FR
44929). One amendment in this rulemaking was the addition of Special Provision 188 in 8
172.102 of the HMR for small lithium cells and batteries. That provision specifies that a
"small" lithium-ion battery has an aggregate ELC of not more than 8 grams. Except for
hazardous communication requirements specified under this Special Provision, there are no
restrictions for the ground transportation of a secondary lithium battery. Effective October 1,
2009, the cell or battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of tests TI through
T8 in the LN Manual of Tests and Criteria.
I hope this information is helphl.
Sincerely,
MA. 29-J
Susan Gorsky,
Regulations Officer
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

<<<PAGE 2>>>

W W W . C O ~ S O ~ ~ C S . C O ~ ~ Piv 50 Port Republic Road,
/ $ r L) / { y P.O. Box 1 1 06
Harrisonburg,VA 22801
1-800-336-9682
PHMSA, DOT
Washington, DC.
202.366.8553
Dear John Gale or Arthur Pollack,
I am request an interpretation regarding the HMR ruling 49 CFR parts 171 -1 80 (Lithium Battery
transportation). I have read many publications regarding this issue including FR 72 Final rule, HM-224C
and E plus several Interpretation letters. In doing so I may have misinterpreted the content or intent of
said regulations.
My understanding of said ruling is if a secondary Lithium Ion battery's ELC < 8.0g it is
classified as "Small" and there are no restriction for ground transport nor are required to pass UN 3090
testing TI-T8 though appropriate labeling of said shipping containers still apply. Am I correct?
To provide some background information, we have recently been quoted UN testing from our
battery pack supplier. Our batteries are comprised of 2 Lithium Ion cells (18650) 2.4Ah each which
equates to an ELC =1.44. This "small" classification mentions exceptions throughout the 49 CFR
rulings and I wish to have furthered interpretations of said exceptions prior to having to inquire said
testing expenditures. Any information or enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Daniel Bowman
ComSonics Inc.
Product Support and Development Specialist
1350 Port Republic Road
Harrisonburg, VA. 2280 1
Tele. (540) 434-5965
(800) 336-9681
EXT. 1295
Fax. (540) 434-9847
email. dbowmai~~,comsonics.com -
Corporate Phone: 540-434-5965 Corporate Fax: 540-434-9847 a Sales Fax: 540-432-9794

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2008/080147.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `6c1e1628654ad14e2028a5964fb42ac2c9bb9e7f08f6637cec88b45385fd5ad9`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T20:07:27.514Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-08-0147`

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