Federal and international regulations governing transportation of portable fuel cell devices in mass transportation systems

The Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 49 lists substances that are classified as hazardous materials and limits their transportation in commerce. Although some of these materials-mainly fuels are regulated, their newly developed storage devices, such as cartridges in portable fuel cell devices are not. As such, require the approval of the U.S. government through U.S. Department of Transportation, other nations and various International agencies before they can be transported in commerce across state boundaries. Various nations and international organizations typically apply their regulations for transportation of hazardous materials in mass transportation systems. This paper addresses current regulatory Framework by air, land, water and rail and suggests means for obtaining various governmental approvals.