The United Nations Transport of Dangerous Goods Sub-Committee
The Transport of Dangerous Goods Sub-Committee (TDG Sub-Committee) provides
leadership in internationally harmonizing regulations on the transportation
of hazardous materials (dangerous goods) by developing an internationally
agreed regulatory framework set out in the United Nations Recommendations
on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Model Regulations). The UN Recommendations
form the basis for international modal regulations on the transport of
dangerous goods prepared by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The UN Model Regulations
are also used as a basis for the development of regional (e.g., NAFTA and
European Road and Rail regulations) and national transport regulations,
including the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations.
Participants in the TDG Sub-Committee include 27 countries with voting
status and numerous countries and non-governmental organizations with
observer status. Click here for the TDG
Sub-Committee participants (external link with a .doc file)
. The TDG Sub-Committee is responsible for reviewing proposals from voting
member countries and observers in relation to amendments to the UN Model Regulations
and issues relevant to its work program. The TDG Sub-Committee meets four
times in a two year period (biennium). Click
here for TDG Sub-Committee meeting dates. PHMSA represents the United States
at these meetings and formulates U.S. positions based on feedback from
U.S. industry, the public and other government agencies.
The work of the Sub-Committee has become increasingly important to both international
and domestic transportation of hazardous materials to, from and within the
United States. Virtually all
hazardous materials imported to or exported from the United States are transported
in accordance with international regulations based on the UN Recommendations.
In the case of the U.S., the
decisions of the TDG Sub-Committee affect an international trade volume in
hazardous materials with an estimated dollar value of more than $160 billion
annually. The work of the TDG
Sub-Committee also affects a much larger domestic hazardous materials transportation
volume. International harmonization of hazardous materials regulations plays
a significant role
in enhancing safe transportation through improved regulatory consistency.
PHMSA is interested in comments on proposals submitted to the TDG Sub-Committee
and will consider all comments in formulating formal U.S. positions on the
proposals. Comments may be sent in writing
to Bob Richard at bob.richard@dot.gov.
Copies of TDG Sub-Committee documents may be downloaded via the
UN Transport
Secretariat's website.
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