The Energetic Materials Office reviews explosives, oxygen generators, self-reactive materials, organic peroxides, and fireworks applications for the approval to perform a function that requires prior consent under subchapter C of this chapter (49 CFR parts 171 through 180).

An Approval issued by this office is the written authorization by PHMSA's Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety to transport substances and/or articles into and through the United States.

Note: An approval document can only be issued if there is a specific approval citation in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), 49 CFR.

If there is no specific approval citation in the HMR, relief can be sought from the HMR in the form of a special permit.