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. 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). 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 Duane Pfund at duane.pfund@dot.gov or Shane Kelley at shane.kelley@dot.gov. Copies of TDG Sub-Committee documents may be downloaded via the UN Transport Secretariat's website.