49 C.F.R. Part 173, Subpart I is a binding federal regulation issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). It governs how radioactive materials (Class 7), including spent nuclear fuel, must be packaged, handled, and transported across the United States.
This rule is part of the federal Hazardous Materials Regulations, which apply to anyone who ships or carries dangerous materials, including private companies and federal contractors. It works alongside Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rules for certifying transport containers.
Subpart I sets strict, enforceable requirements for moving radioactive waste:
- It requires that all shipments use approved packaging designs capable of withstanding accidents, impacts, and environmental exposure.
- It mandates quality control and inspection procedures before each shipment to ensure containers are properly built, tested, and maintained.
- It establishes rules for special materials, export shipments, and foreign-made containers, ensuring they meet U.S. safety standards.
- It applies to both shippers and carriers, making them legally responsible for compliance during transport.
Because this is federal law, violations can result in civil penalties, enforcement actions, or shipment shutdowns.
