# FPPF Chemical Co., Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 99-0201  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1999-08-04

99-0201 response to FPPF Chemical Co., Inc. concerning 171.8.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

of Transportation
U.S. Department
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590
Research and
Administration
Special Programs
AUG 4 1999
Mr. J. Christopher Lory
Ref. No. 99-0201
FPPF Chemical Co., Inc.
117 West Tupper Street
Buffalo,
NY
14201-2193
Dear Mr. Lory:
This is in response to your letter dated July 20, 1999, regarding
reclassification of a material as a Consumer commodity under the
Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) •
Specifically you ask if a material that is suitable for retail
a material that
sale meets the definition for Consumer commodity even though it
is not intended for retail sale.
The answer is yes.
The definition of a Consumer commodity in
§ 171.8 includes materials that are both packaged and distributed
in a form intended or suitable for sale through retail sales
agencies or instrumentalities for consumption by individuals for
purposes of personal care or household use.
This definition
includes materials that are suitable for retail sale even if not
specifically so intended and which may, in fact, be used in some
other fashion.
I hope this satisfies your request.
Sincerely,
John A.
Transportation Regulations Specialis
Gale
Office of Hazardous Materials
• Standards
990201

<<<PAGE 2>>>

BAH
171.8
Consurel
FPPE
commentary
99-0201
July 20, 1999
FPPF CHEMICAL CO., INC.
FUEL ADDITIVES • TREATMENTS • CONDITIONERS
Mr. Edward Mazzullo
Director Office of Hazardous Material
Hazmat Standard
US DOT RSPA
400 7* Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20590-0001
RE: Definition of "Consumer Commodity" per 49CFR Section 171.8.
Dear Mr. Mazzullo,
We ship many of our chemical products by United Parcel Service (UPS),some of
these products are considered hazardous materials. UPS insist that even though our
packaging volumes, packing group and various classes meet 49CFR and 173.15X
requirements, it is their contention that our products could not be found under a
kitchen sink, therefore, they charge us a "hazardous materials" surcharge.
We contacted your department last month and according to the US DOT person we
spoke to, the test to determine "consumer commodity" is; "can the product be
purchased in a retail store?" If the answer to that question is yes, then it is a
consumer commodity provided the product meets all the other requirements set forth
in 49CFR for exception under ORM-D. Therefore, UPS should not charge FPPF
Chemical Company a hazardous materials surcharge.
Mr Mazzullo, please confirm in writing that the "retail store" test is the criteria for
consumer commodity and the ORM-D exception. We will need this document to
change the shippers practices.
Sincerely,
2. 6hestupher Lary
J. Christopher Lory
President
117 WEST TUPPER STREET • BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14201-2193 • 716/856-9607 • FAX 716/856-0750

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1999/990201.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `3d17844a5ce43d60a995f6babe7bda14a26c4e4038b36f8f2c843ac3ecd669fc`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-23T23:07:48.847Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-99-0201`

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