# SeaFair USA LLC — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 17-0045  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 2017-07-18

17-0045 response to SeaFair USA LLC concerning 173.32.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

Michael Daum
•
Compliance & Quality Manager
SeaFair USA LLC
1090 King Georges Post Road Suite 403
Edison, NJ 08837
Reference No. 17-0045
Dear Mr. Daum:
This letter is in response to your April 19, 2017, email requesting clarification of the Hazardous
Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the requirements for the use
of portable tanks. Specifically, you ask if a specification portable tank filled with a non-
regulated material needs to be filled in accordance with the requirements of § 173.32(f)(5).
The answer is no. A material that is not defined as a "hazardous material" in accordance with
the HMR is not subject to the requirements of the HMR, including the requirements for loading
of portable tanks in § 173.32(f)(5).
I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Chief, Standards Development Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division

<<<PAGE 2>>>

Please submit this as a letter of interpretation. Mr. Daum spoke with Jodi and Breanna.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Eamonn
From: Michael Daum [mailto:Michael.Daum@seafairgroup.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 1:36 PM
To: INFOCNTR (PHMSA) < INFOCNTR.INFOCNTR@dot.gov>
Subject: International shipments of not-regulated (non-hazardous) materials in un portable tanks in accordance with 49
CFR 173.32(f)(5) - 80/20 rule
Jodi completed via phone at 3:01 PM, requesting formal interp.
Dear Madam or Sir,
I would like to request clarification on the applicability of the filling requirements stated in 49 CFR
173.32(f) (5) in regards to international shipment of liquids not regulated under IMDG Code nor 40 CFR
HMR as hazardous materials transported in UN portable tanks.
If those not-regulated liquids have a viscosity of less than 2,680 centistokes and the UN portable tank is
not equipped with baffles, does an offeror of these shipments still have to abide by the 1732.32(f)(5)
requirement of loading to a filling density of less than 20% and more than 80% by volume?
I am looking forward to your clarification.
Kind regards | Mit freundlichen Grüßen | Saludos cordiales
SEAFAIR
Michael Daum
Compliance & Quality Manager
SeaFair USA LLC
1090 King Georges Post Road Suite 403
Edison, NJ 08837
Tel.: +1 (732) 709 3722

<<<PAGE 3>>>

C-TPAT certified
FMC licensed: 023696NF IATA licensed: 0111167 TSA - IAC approved

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2017/170045.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `6a1b7c9b2affa04d85c473b6ccf36cc5650e88b23ef07dd68a71fa0b44482605`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T22:27:49.612Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-17-0045`

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