{"operation":"document","citation":"PHMSA Guidance, Materials of Trade (MOTs)","title":"Materials of Trade (MOTs)","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2025-04-22","effective_on":"2025-04-22","summary":"Materials of Trade (MOTs) Document MOTs-Brochure-0202-0523.pdf (1.14 MB) Materials of Trade, or MOTs, are a category of hazmat which, when transported by motor vehicle in small quantities as part of a business (other than transportation), are subject to fewer HMR requirements due to the limited hazard they pose. This brochure provides a general overview of the Materials of Trade exception, including applicable materi","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-guidance-materials-trade-mots-ca8a27ff.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-guidance-materials-trade-mots-ca8a27ff.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-guidance-materials-trade-mots-ca8a27ff","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/regulatory-compliance/phmsa-guidance/materials-trade-mots","body":"Materials of Trade (MOTs)\n\nDocument\n\n MOTs-Brochure-0202-0523.pdf (1.14 MB)\n\n Materials of Trade, or MOTs, are a category of hazmat which, when transported by motor vehicle in small quantities as part of a business (other than transportation), are subject to fewer HMR requirements due to the limited hazard they pose. This brochure provides a general overview of the Materials of Trade exception, including applicable materials, limitations, and a flowchart for determining quantity restrictions.\n\n Issued Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025\n\n<<>>\n\nUllore niti torere moluptassum quiae ©\nUNDERSTANDING\nMATERIALS OF TRADE (MOTs)\nPHMSA | PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION\n1\n\n<<>>\n\nThe contents of this guide do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This guide is\nintended only to provide information to the public regarding existing requirements under the Hazardous Materials Regulations.\n\n<<>>\n\nTABLE OF CONTENTS\nUNDERSTANDING MATERIALS OF TRADE (MOTs)\nAre You Transporting Hazmat? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04\nSafety Data Sheet (SDS) Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .05\nMaterials of Trade (MOTs) Defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06\nWhy Do MOTs Matter to You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07\nLimitations and Requirements for MOTs:\nQualifying Hazardous Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .08\nQuantity Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .09\nPackaging and Marking Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10\nQuestions About MOTs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11\n3\n\n<<>>\n\nUllore niti torere moluptassum quiae ©\nARE YOU TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?\nDo you carry hazmat as part of your job?\nLiquid fuels, paint thinners, pesticides, and even lithium\ncells and batteries are all classified as hazardous materials\n(hazmat), because they can pose an unreasonable risk\nto health, safety, and property when transported\nin commerce (§ 171.8)\nDepartment of Transportation\nhazmat regulations only apply to\nthe transportation of hazardous\nmaterials IN COMMERCE.\nWhether you are self-employed or work for a large\ncompany, it is your responsibility to know if you are dealing\nwith hazmat. One possible starting point for determining\nwhether a product you transport is hazmat is to consult the\nproduct’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS), provided by the\nmanufacturer. This should include a transportation hazard\nclassification for the product, with a four-digit ID number, a\nproper shipping name, the hazard class, and the packing\ngroup for the product (in Section 14: Transportation\nInformation, per the example on page 5).\nIn other words, they do not apply\nif you are transporting hazmat for\nnon-commercial purposes in a\nprivate motor vehicle.\nYou are responsible for transporting hazmat in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations\n(HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171 – 180), including properly classifying and packaging the materials with all required hazard\ncommunication. These requirements may be dependent upon the quantity and hazard of the specific material (see the\nHazardous Materials Table (HMT) § 172.101).\n4\n\n<<>>\n\nCARCINOGENICITY - Category 2\nTOXIC TO REPRODUCTION - Category 2\nSPECIFIC TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY (SINGLE EXPOSURE) (Respiratory tract irritation) -\nCategory 3\nSPECIFIC TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY (SINGLE EXPOSURE) (Narcotic effects) - Category 3\nSPECIFIC TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY (REPEATED EXPOSURE) - Category 2\nSAFETY DATA SHEET EXAMPLE\nASPIRATION HAZARD - Category 1\nSECTION 14\nSection 1: Identification\nProduct Name: Spirit Lacquer Thinner\nPercentage of the mixture consisting of ingredient(s) of unknown acute toxicity: 32.2%\nProduct Code: 02252022\n(oral), 51% (dermal), 51% (inhalation\nOther means of Identification: N/A\nSignal Word: Danger\nProduct type: Liquid\nRelevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against: Paint, stain, and\nHazard Statements:\nvarnish thinning\nManufacturer: Wandering Artist’s Paint\nHighly flammable liquid and vapor.\n6 Golden Tree Ln\nLimgrave, CA 94129\nHarmful if swallowed.\n(415) 835-1174\nMay be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.\nEmergency contact information: Calling Bell 24 Hour Emergency Services\nUS/Canada: (800) 310-4000\nCauses skin irritation.\nInternational: +1 415 310 4000\nSection 2: Hazard Identification\nCauses serious eye damage.\nOSHA/HCS status: This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communication\nMay cause respiratory irritation.\nStandard (29 CFR 1910.1200).\nHazard Classification:\nMay cause drowsiness or dizziness.\nFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - Category 2\nSuspected of causing cancer.\nACUTE TOXICITY (oral) - Category 4\nSKIN CORROSION/IRRITATION - Category 2\nSuspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.\nSERIOUS EYE DAMAGE/ EYE IRRITATION - Category 1\nCARCINOGENICITY - Category 2\nMay cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.\nTOXIC TO REPRODUCTION - Category 2\nSPECIFIC TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY (SINGLE EXPOSURE) (Respiratory tract irritation) -\nPrecautionary Statements: Obtain special instructions before use. Do not handle until all safety\nCategory 3\nprecautions have been read and understood. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing and eye or\nSPECIFIC TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY (SINGLE EXPOSURE) (Narcotic effects) - Category 3\nSPECIFIC TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY (REPEATED EXPOSURE) - Category 2\nface protection. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.\nASPIRATION HAZARD - Category 1\nNo smoking. Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating or lighting equipment. Use non-sparking tools.\nPercentage of the mixture consisting of ingredient(s) of unknown acute toxicity: 32.2%\nTake action to prevent static discharges. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated (oral), 51% (dermal), 51% (inhalation\narea. Do not\nSignal Word: Danger\nbreathe vapor. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Wash thoroughly after handling.\nHazard Statements:\nHighly flammable liquid and vapor.\nDescription hazards not otherwise known: N/A\nHarmful if swallowed.\nMay be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.\nCauses skin irritation.\nCauses serious eye damage.\nMay cause respiratory irritation.\nMay cause drowsiness or dizziness.\nSuspected of causing cancer.\nSuspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.\nMay cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.\nPrecautionary Statements: Obtain special instructions before use. Do not handle until all safety\nprecautions have been read and understood. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing and eye or\nface protection. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.\nNo smoking. Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating or lighting equipment. Use non-sparking tools.\nTake action to prevent static discharges. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Do not\nbreathe vapor. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Wash thoroughly after handling.\nDescription hazards not otherwise known: N/A\nSection 14: Transport Information\nU.S. DOT Classification: UN1263, Paint related materials, 3, II\nUN Number: UN1263\nProper Shipping Name: Paint related materials\nHazard Class: Class 3 (flammable liquids)\nSection 14: Transport Information\nPacking Group: II\nU.S. DOT Classification: UN1263, Paint related materials, 3, II\nHazardous Substance: No\nUN Number: UN1263\nProper Shipping Name: Paint related materials\nMarine Pollutant: No\nHazard Class: Class 3 (flammable liquids)\nPacking Group: II\nTDG, ICAO and IMDG: UN1263, Paint related materials, 3, II\nHazardous Substance: No\nMarine Pollutant: No\nTDG, ICAO and IMDG: UN1263, Paint related materials, 3, II\nPHMSA | PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION\n5\n\n<<>>\n\n6\n6\nMATERIALS\nOF TRADE\nor MOTs, are a certain\ncategory of hazmat\nwhich, when transported\nin small quantities as\npart of a business, are\nsubject to fewer HMR\nrequirements due to the\nlimited hazard they pose.\n\n<<>>\n\nWHY DO MOTs MATTER TO YOU?\nMOTs are hazmat, other than a hazardous waste, that are carried on a MOTOR VEHICLE in certain quantities to:\n•\n•\n•\nprotect the health and safety of the motor vehicle operator or passengers, such as insect repellant or\na fire extinguisher;\nsupport the operation or maintenance of a motor vehicle (including its auxiliary equipment), such as a\nspare battery or gasoline; or\ndirectly support a principal business of a private motor carrier (including vehicles operated by a rail\ncarrier) that is other than transportation by motor vehicle – for example, chemicals for landscaping,\npest control, painting, or plumbing services, or gases for welding.\nThere is an exception for MOTs that provides less stringent regulatory\nrequirements. When transported in accordance with § 173.6 of the HMR,\nthe following requirements are NOT applicable to MOTs:\n•\nShipping papers\n•\nEmergency response information\n•\nPlacarding\n•\nFormal training or retention of training records.\nThe MOTs exception does not\napply to transport of these\nhazardous materials by other\nmodes of transport, including by\naircraft or vessel.\nThe following HMR limitations and requirements DO apply to MOTs*:\n•\n•\n•\n•\nMaterial limitations;\nQuantity limitations;\nPackaging, marking, and labeling requirements; and\nGeneral knowledge of MOTs (found in § 171.8).\n*See § 173.6 “Materials of trade exceptions.”\nIn addition, the exception does\nnot apply to these materials\nwhen in motor vehicles\ntransported by ferry.\nPHMSA | PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION\n7\n7\n\n<<>>\n\nLIMITATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTs\nQUALIFYING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS\nMOTs are limited to the following hazard classes or divisions:\nCLASS OR DIVISON DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES\nDivision 2.1 Flammable Gases acetylene, propane\nDivision 2.2 Non-flammable Gases oxygen, nitrogen\nClass 3 Flammable or Combustible Liquids paint, paint thinner, gasoline\nDivision 4.1 Flammable Solids charcoal\nDivision 4.3 Dangerous When Wet Materials fumigants, metal powders (e.g., magnesium, zinc)\nDivision 5.1 Oxidizers bleaching compounds\nDivision 5.2 Organic Peroxides benzoyl peroxide\nDivision 6.1 Poisons pesticides\nDivision 6.2 Infectious Substances** diagnostic specimens\nClass 8 Corrosive Materials muriatic acid, drain cleaners, battery acid\nClass 9 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials lithium batteries, asbestos, self-inflating lifeboats\n** Only Div. 6.2 materials, other than a Category A infectious substance, contained in human or animal samples being transported for\nresearch, diagnosis, investigational activities, or disease treatment or prevention, or that is a biological product or regulated\nmedical waste (§ 173.6(a)(4))\nMaterials and products that are classified into any other hazard class or division\n(e.g., Class 1 Explosives, Division 2.3 Poison by Inhalation Gases) are NOT ELIGIBLE\nto be transported under the MOTs exception.\n8\n\n<<>>\n\nQUANTITY LIMITS\nUse the flow chart below to determine the quantity\nlimitations per package of a given MOT, based on Packing\nGroup (PG) and hazard class/division. You can find the PG\nand hazard class/division listed in Section 14 of the SDS,\ncolumns 5 and 3 (respectively) of the Hazardous Materials\nTable, or as part of the Basic Description on previous\nshipping paper(s). Note that the aggregate gross weight\nof all MOTs—that is, the total weight of all hazardous\nmaterials and its packaging loaded on a single vehicle—\nmay not exceed 200 kg (440 lbs.). ***\nBE CAREFUL!\nMOTs have strict quantity limitations.\nIf you exceed these limits, the material\nwill be fully regulated under the HMR.\nStart with the Packing Group (PG):\nPG I\nPG II, PG III\nor no PG\nMaximum amount of material in\none package is 0.5 kg (1 lb.) for\nsolids, or 0.5 L (1 pint) for liquids\nWhat is the hazard\nclass or division?\nClass 3, 8\nDiv 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1\nClass 9\nIs it a liquid\nin a diluted\nmixture not\nexceeding 2%\nconcentration?\nDiv. 4.3\nDiv. 2.1, 2.2\nDiv. 6.2\nMaximum\ngross capacity\nof each\npackage is\n30 mL (1 oz.)\nEach cylinder\nmay not\nweigh more\nthan 100 kg\n(220 lbs.) gross\nSee specific\npackaging and\nquantity limits\nlisted in\n§ 173.6(a)(4)\nNO YES\nMaximum gross mass\nof each package is 30 kg\n(66 lbs.) for solids, including\nlithium batteries contained\nin equipment, or 30 L (8 gal)\ncapacity for liquids\nMay be transported\nin a tank having a\ncapacity of up to\n1500 L (400 gal)\n***Not including diluted mixtures (not exceeding 2 percent concentration) of Class 9 materials\nPHMSA | PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION\n9\n\n<<>>\n\nPACKAGING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS\nMOTs MUST BE PACKAGED AND MARKED AS FOLLOWS:\nPackaging\nMarking\n•\n•\n•\n•\n•\n•\nThe packaging must be the manufacturer’s original\npackaging or of equal or greater strength\nand integrity.\nPackagings must be leak tight for liquids and gases\nand sift proof for solids.\nPackages must be properly closed, secured against\nmovement, and protected against damage.\nOuter packagings are not required for receptacles\n(such as cans or bottles) that are secured against\nmovement in cages, bins, boxes, or compartments.\nGasoline must be transported in a metal or plastic\ncontainer meeting HMR or OSHA requirements\n(see §§ 173.6(b)(4) and 173.202 in the HMR).\nCylinders and pressure vessels must conform to\nHMR requirements, except that outer packagings\nare not required.\n•\n•\n•\n•\nThe packaging must be marked with either a\ncommon name (such as “gas” or “spray paint”)\nor a proper shipping name from the HMR\n(such as “isopropyl alcohol”).\nA tank containing a diluted mixture (not more\nthan 2% concentration) of a Class 9 material\nmust be marked with the identification number\non two opposing sides.\nCylinders and pressure vessels must be marked\nwith the proper shipping name and identification\nnumber and have a hazard class warning label.\nIf the package contains a reportable quantity\nof a hazardous substance, it must be marked\n“RQ” (reportable quantities are found in\nAppendix A of Section 172.101 in the HMR).\nDivision 6.2 infectious substances must be contained in a combination packaging which meets the\nfollowing requirements:\nMATERIAL REQUIREMENT\nLiquids\n•\n•\nInner packaging must be leakproof\nOuter packaging must contain sufficient absorbent material to absorb\nthe entire contents of the inner packaging.\nSharps\n•\n•\nInner packaging (sharps container) must be constructed of a rigid material\nresistant to punctures and securely closed to prevent leaks or punctures.\nOuter packaging must be securely closed to prevent leaks or punctures.\n•\nSolids, Liquids, Sharps\nOuter packaging must be a strong, tight packaging securely closed and\nsecured against shifting, including relative motion between packages,\nwithin the vehicle on which it is being transported.\n10\n\n<<>>\n\nQUESTIONS ABOUT MOTs?\nWhile MOTs exceptions offer relief from certain HMR requirements, remember that these materials are still hazmat.\nTo operate under MOTs, you must adhere to all the requirements listed in § 173.6—including all quantity restrictions.\nConcerned that your operational needs might exceed MOTs quantity limitations? Contact the Hazardous Materials Info\nCenter at (1-800-467-4922) or via email at infocntr@dot.gov for answers to your questions. PHMSA also provides\ncompliance assistance resource on our publications page, including guides to hazmat law, registration, hazmat training\nprograms, transportation requirements, and more.\nPHMSA | PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION\n11\n\n<<>>\n\nFor additional information contact:\nThe Hazardous Materials Info Center\n1-800-HMR-4922\n(1-800-467-4922)\nEmail: infocntr@dot.gov\nPipeline and Hazardous Materials\nSafety Administration\nOutreach, Training, and Grants Division\nEast Building, 2nd Floor\n1200 New Jersey Ave., SE\nWashington, DC 20590\nEmail: training@dot.gov\n202-366-4900\n202-366-7342 (Fax)\nPHH50-0202-0523","truncated":false,"body_characters":16190}