PHMSA has been alerted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that counterfeit air bags have been sold as replacement parts to consumers and repair professionals. These counterfeit products may contain unapproved explosives and thus pose additional transportation risks when compared to air bags manufactured through legitimate means.

Therefore, PHMSA is issuing this Safety Advisory Notice to

1. Notify shippers and carriers of problems involving counterfeit air bags;
2. Provide guidance on the proper classification of air bags;
3. Specify provisions applicable to devices containing unapproved explosives; and
4. Provide the next steps that PHMSA will take to address this problem.

Consumers or repair professionals who suspect they have a counterfeit air bag should contact a call center established by their auto manufacturer. A list of these call centers and other additional information, including the list of vehicles that may contain counterfeit air bags, can be found on SaferCar.gov.

PHMSA Guidance for Unapproved Explosives
Suspected counterfeit air bags are subject to approval by the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety as explosive devices, using the classification criteria in § 173.56. In accordance with § 173.54(a), a forbidden explosive is an explosive that has not been approved as specified in § 173.56. Therefore, per § 173.21(b), the offering for transportation or transportation of an unapproved explosive is forbidden by the HMR.

Information regarding training as well as guidance documents regarding the requirements of the HMR can be found on PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Safety web site. If you have specific questions regarding the HMR call the Hazardous Materials Information Center at 1-800-467-4922 (in Washington, DC, call 202-366-4488).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a consumer safety advisory to alert vehicle owners and repair professionals to the dangers of counterfeit air bags.

Read the full consumer advisory here.