The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety

The Office of Hazardous Materials Exemptions and Approvals (OHMEA) has the primary responsibility for the issuance of DOT Exemptions and Approvals to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). An Exemption or Approval is a document which authorizes a person to perform a function that is not currently authorized under the authority of the HMR. Also, in many instances, the Regulations require approvals and/or registrations prior to transportation in commerce. The main difference between an exemption and an approval is the fact that an approval document can only be issued if there is a specific approval cite in the Regulations i.e., approved by the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety. If there is no approval cite, one must apply for an exemption. Further information regarding the functions of the office and the similarities and differences between exemptions and approvals are set forth below.

If you have any questions regarding the information contained below either contact the Office of Hazardous Materials Exemptions and Approvals by telephone ((202) 366-4535)