Shipments of Radioactive Materials Requiring DOT Placarding

(CBP — U.S. Customs)


Due to the significant hazards that may be posed to the traveling public, port personnel, and the disruption of the importation of other commercial shipments, the Area Service Port of Champlain is instituting the following requirements for the importation of radioactive materials requiring placarding under U.S. DOT regulations:

1) Carriers must notify the Commercial Operations Duty Supervisor at least 8 hours prior to the projected arrival of the conveyance at the port.

2) Copies of US State Department Licenses and shipping documents must be faxed to the Radiation Determination Office (VACIS) at least 8 hours prior to the projected arrival.

3) The Commercial Operations Duty Supervisor and/or the Non-Invasive Inspection (NII) Supervisor will determine the actual allowable arrival time of the conveyance within the confines of the port.

4) Carriers not adhering to this timeframe may be denied clearance and returned to Canada.

5) Circumstances that make it impossible for a carrier to adhere to this timetable must be fully explained – in detail – to the Commercial Operations Duty Supervisor. Such circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The authority and rationale to institute this policy is found in the CBP Hazardous Materials Handbook, CIS HB 5200-18, Chapter 5 and is cited below:

“Port Directors may limit the importation and/or exportation of dangerous cargo to a specified location within the port, and to specify the hours of service for the importation and exportation of hazardous or dangerous goods based on availability of properly trained personnel, and/or in the interest of the safety of Customs employees and the traveling public. Other considerations are the port’s or facility’s ability to properly and safely inspect shipments of hazardous materials or dangerous goods without adversely affecting the importation or exportation of other commercial shipments.”