# International Compliance Center — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation **Citation:** 98-0546 **Type / status:** guidance / guidance **Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration **Effective:** Not stated **Published:** 1998-01-29 98-0546 response to International Compliance Center concerning 173.187. ## Document text <<>> of Transportation U.S.Department Washington, D.C. 400 Seventh Street, S.W. 20590 Special Programs Research and Administration JAN 2 g 1998 Mr. Dwight Baker Chemical Engineer International Compliance Center 205 Matheson Blvd E. Unit 7' L4Z 1X8 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Dear Mr. Baker: This is in response to your letter dated October 22, 1997, requesting clarification on the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask if a "RingLok" (a plastic circular ring) used to reinforce the seal of a paint can lid meets the requirement for a positive (not friction) means of closure as specified in § 173.187(a) of the HMR. Based on the photographs and sample paint can with a "RingLok" you provided, it is the opinion of this Office that the "RingLok" meets the requirement for a positive (not friction) means of closure as specified in § 173.187(a). I hope this answers your inquiry. If you need additional assistance, do not hesitate to contact uS. Sincerely, Dilme Hilling's Delmer F. Billings Office of Hazardous Materials Standards Chief, Regulations Development ...- <<>> INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE CENTER LTD. December 9, 1997 DEBBIE BOOTHE Research Special Programs Materials Standards Administration, Office Hazardous DHM-10 400 7th St, Southwest Washington, D.C. 20590 D. Boothe, As per our conversation during Dec 9 th, 97, I am seeking a written interpretation for a passage of the 49 CFR. I wish to know if a RingLok ( a plastic circular ring) used to reinforce the seal that a paint can lid has with a can, meets the definition of a positive means of closure as per part 173.187 (a) of the 49 CFR. The information you requested, and that which is enclosed, are photographs of our paint can with the RingLok seal. The pictures go back to 1994 and deal with official third party UN package performance tests (Distribution Dynamics Labs), as well as ISTA tests. Your earliest attention is deeply appreciated! From the Desk of, Dwight Baker Chemical Engineer Intexnational Compliance Center 205 Matheson Blvd E. Unit 7 L4Z 1X8 Mississauga, Ont, Canada. ONTARIO: NOVA SCOTIA: QUEBEC: HOUSTON: NEW YORK: Tel.: (713) 722-0023 Fax: (713) 722-0026 Tel.: (716) 283-0002 Fax: (716) 283-0119 <<>> Boothe File: 1731187(9) 50: 341 INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE CENTER LTD. )ctober 22, 1997 DIANE LAVALLE Research Special Programs Administration 400 7th St, Southwest Washington, D.C. 20590 D. Lavalle, As per our conversation during the week of Oct 14 th, 97, I am seeking a written interpretation for a passage of the 49 CFR. I wish to know if a RingLok ( a plastic circular ring) used to reinforce the seal that a paint can lid has with a can, meets the definition of a positive means of closure as per part 173.187 (a) of the 49 CFR. As per our earlier conversation you had indicated that it does meet the definition. Your earliest attention is deeply appreciated! From the Desk of, Dwight Baker Chemical Engineer 205 Matheson Blvd E. Unit 7 International Compliance Center L4Z 1X8 Mississauga, Ont, Canada. ONTARIO: NOVA SCOTIA: QUEBEC: el.: (905) 890-7227 Fax: (905) 890-70 el.: (514) 636-8146 Fax: (514) 636-35 HOUSTON: NEW YORK: Tel.: (902) 468-8885 Fax: (902) 468-8886 el.: (716) 283-0002 Fax: (716) 283-011 el.: (713) 722-0023 Fax: (713) 722-002 <<>> <<>> ISTA PASSEA NO LEAKAGE NS Gale ICC <<>> PROFORMA INVOICE MAME AND ADDRESS OF EXPARTER PROFOBMA INVOICE- (I.S. Customs Clearance By FORM 1007 Icc La. 205 Mathesin Shird. E., # 7 HEL REFERENCE NO. Carr Quality Worldwide Logistics Mississanga, Ontario, L42 1x8. 1600 W. Lafagette. Detroit, Mh,18216 (313) 965-1540 CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS PAGE SOIR TO (IF DIFFERENT FROM SHIP TO) / OF PAGES / Rehe Haged again endearin i. DHM-lo, 400 7tn St. SouthWest Washingten, DE, 0590. ORIGIN (COUNTRY/PROVINCE) Attu:- Debbie Asotte. canada Ontario DESTINATION (COUNTRY/STATE) TERMS OF SALE - DELIVERY - PAYMENT, ETC. USA/PC FAMIY ANT DE TINATION PIL PUSTOMS CHIARS TO 1 oR I CAL CARRIE!! US CONSIGNEE UPS NOTIFY BAT TO THE HER ACTIN NE, • FINDS INTCOM205 FORE N RENTSO I COND SART FRIES CARER COMTRY US RETURNED GOODS INVOICE DATE (CEE DECI ARATION BELOW • J OTHER A' PORT OF ENTr. 12/09/97 DATE OF SALE IMPOSED COUNIRY GI: * FOI U.S CUITOMS CLEARANCE EXC INGE RATE CURRENCY OF SALE 12/09/97 ORKC-11 MARKS AND NIMBERS NUMBIR ANI KIND OF LICKAGES, DESCRIPTION OF SHIPMENT Box. GROSS WEIGHT D SUBAGE HEÇES/PACKATES - DE RIPTION 2 ebs. USA. / GALLON CAIN- WEKHT INV UNIT OTY. POICE UNT PRIC INVOICE TOTAL T METAL CAN SLID WITH A RINGLOK. 10-00. GOODS DilLY SENT FOR TESTING PURPOSE ONLY. VALUE SHIWN IS ONLY FOR CUSTOM PURPOSES. EXP # M -0859 DIAID. 29 BIN / SHIPPER # 515- 30 DECLARATION BY FOREIGN SHIPPER ABOVE FICES INFARPE BROKERAGE FREIGHT er manufacture of the United States: That the/• -declare hal the articles herein alug exceeds ($1200.00) 19 that they are relur d wi hout fing been advanced in value or exported from the United Sial from W*S 1 of ay knowledge and betel be growth, produce SIGNATURE rIGHT CHARGISS - TOTAL "HIPPER improved in condilion. by any process of manulacture or olhey means. wand oor about COLICE LEWER NGEXPRESS INDE OF TRANSPORTATION FROM PI INT (FE • E•11 MCLI" • 1' CHANTED CONTI NON DOC STARTING YES J select UPSUE paruan. IXPORT UPS 3 Day Select™ 3433 5915 798 MATE - MESTIC BRIGHT CONTAINER lasdeep ILARGrS ASSISTS AruT INTRANCE INVOICE TOTAL i,. <<>> P.CTE. MADE IN BELGIUM 01,9- 20% XR=9A 0 151-J a15ZE 53.- 62 1 -888-442-928 zira L0166- 01752- 017001 A= 3.7- 307 _R=35 R:15~ 2,6: 26 MAR '97 18:32 PLASTUNI NY SA 19,4 12,2.~ R:20 JATÚM: 26-3-97 /SCHAAL: 16 PROJECT GEWIC+T:42 gr. MATER E: L PLAN NP : 397384 <<>> Distribution Dynamics Labs, Inc. Drop Test (continued) *: İ.C.C. (TOR-80) 1x1 Gallon Paint Can DDL # 960725 ..SIDE DROP Procoon 735/50% 1.8 METERS • R T 1: : LONG SIDE DROP • DDL# 96072 .C.C. (TOR-80 1x1 Gation Paint Can 1.8 METERS END DROP Proconitoning 7397/150% ! SHORT SIDE DROP (END) 12 Report #960725 <<>> INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE CENTER LTD. M001/003 Attention: DEBORAH BOOTH Co. Name:ICC FAX No. (202) 366-8700 From:DWIGHT BAKER Date: Nov21, 97 MISSISSAUGA No. of pages including cover sheet: 3 Message: MERE IS A SPEC. SHEET ON THE RINGLOK, AS WELL. AS A PICTURE SHOWING REPRESENTATION ON ONE OF OUR PACHAGES 11/21/97 •IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ALL THE PAGES CALL (905) 890-7227 *ONTARIO: QUEBEC: NEW YORK: NOVA SCOTIA: TEXAS: Niagara Falls, NY Tel.: (802) 468-8885 Tel.: (716) 283-0002 Fax: (719 243-0119 <<>> 11/21/97 15:14 28058907070 ICC MISSISSAUGA 2002/003 :. : 6x100 DOLE TOP DROP LC.C. (TÓR-30) 4x 1 Gelon Pai Cans DOL # 900725 SOTTOM DROF Preconditioning @7395150% 1.2 METERS ... ; - 183... ".. " BOTTOM DROP 11 Report #960725B <<>> ".. #003/003 01445. MADE IN BELGIUM 0169- 20 %g r.á'c 0151- a1525 53 62 . 1-888-44/2-2658 0 166 - ICC MISSISSAUGA BacK MLASTU1I ISY SA 20'% -Aals» 29058907070 1,h. *yr 18:37 15:15 26 MAR JATUM:26-3-97 SCHAI 11/21/97 PROJECT GEWICHT:42 g.e MATER PLAN NR: 397366 <<>> INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE CENTER LTD.. J: Attention: DEBORAH BOOTH I. C. C. Co. Name:ICC FAX No. (202) 366-8700 From: DWIGHT BAKER Date: Nov21,97 7070 No. of pages including cover sheet: 3 890 Message: MERE SÀ SPEC 905 SHEET ON THE RINGLOK ,AS WELL AS A PICTURE SHOWiNG REPRESENTATION ON ONE OF OUR PACHAGES 38 15: 11/21 IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ALL THE PAGES CALL (905) 890-7227 205. Matheson Bud E, 57, Mississauga, Ontacio. LAZ 1XB. Tol: (005) 000-7227 Fax: 19857-896-7070- 86 Lindsay Avonue, Quebec HOP 2T8 Tel: (514) 836-8145 Fax: (514) 836-3522 •2150 Libeity Drive, 10620 Stabbins Circle, Sude D. Houston, T7o43 Tel: (13 22-0022 Fax: (713 7220025 <<>> MADE IN BELGWM 0163- P.zi2 20% 0151. CUStE I. C.C. LTD 62 . zir3 7070 1-888-442-0 890 905 11753- PLASTUNI MY SA 30°. 62- Ral5 R.35. 19.6 12. '97 11/21 15:39 18:32 26 MAR JATÚM: 26-3-93 SCHAA PROJECT GEWICHT:424 MATER! PLAN.NR: 797364 <<>> '97 11/21 15:41 * 985 898 7078 I. C.C. LTD 03 **.. :: Drop 4x1 Gel 1.2% TOP TOP DROP I.C.C. (TOR-80 DDL # 800725 BOTTOM DRON onditioning @79*F150% 1.2 METERS BOTTOM DROP 11 : Report #960725B ## Provenance - Official: Yes - Source: - Source ID: `phmsa` - SHA-256: `423274946ad8fae5c73af4b904aa227cbbc4690b758a5e03cac68d772b5d4c68` - Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z - Exported: 2026-08-22T02:51:24.646Z - Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-98-0546` ### Source metadata ```json { "materialSubtype": "interpretation", "interpretationArea": "hazardous_materials", "representation": "full_text_from_official_pdf", "companies": [ "International Compliance Center" ], "individuals": [ "Mr. Dwight Baker" ], "refIds": [ "98-0546" ], "catalogDates": [ "1998-01-29" ], "catalogParts": [ 173 ], "catalogRowCount": 1, "sourceRecordUrls": [ "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/node/69121" ], "linkedAttachmentUrls": [], "unavailableResponseUrls": [], "duplicateRepresentationUrls": [], "citedSections": [ "173.187", "173.187(a)" ], "catalogPageUrls": [ "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/173187" ], "pdfUrls": [ "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980546.pdf" ], "representations": [ { "viewUrl": "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980546.pdf", "detailUrl": null, "detailHtmlPath": null, "pdfUrl": "https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980546.pdf", "pdfArtifactPath": "data/sources/phmsa-interpretations/98-0546-ddd2a2d361.pdf", "pdfArtifactSha256": "dab6ac1ec739d9fed2699f222e79e09fab59c85ba60365e40563aff132fa7e02", "extractedTextPath": "data/sources/phmsa-interpretations/98-0546-ddd2a2d361.v2.txt", "extractedTextSha256": "bbcd2e3b2cc6515ba6d38faf6df2b0414fbc9a8fe6d629799290a3b74cdc4e9a", "pageCount": 14, "extractionVersion": 2 } ], "caveat": "Interpretations apply regulations to the facts presented and do not create independently enforceable requirements.", "jurisdiction": "US" } ```