[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 84 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23362-23367]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-9203]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

49 CFR Parts 171, 173, and 175

[Docket No. PHMSA-2006-25446 (HM-243)]
RIN 2137-AE19


Hazardous Materials: Fuel Cell Cartridges and Systems Transported 
on Board Passenger Aircraft in Carry-On Baggage

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to 
permit certain fuel cell cartridges and fuel cell systems designed for 
portable electronic devices to be transported by passengers and crew in 
carry-on baggage on board passenger-carrying aircraft. Fuel cell 
cartridges and fuel cell systems are an emerging energy technology 
developed to provide a more efficient, longer-lasting, and renewable 
power source for electrically operated equipment. This final rule 
prescribes regulations for transporting fuel cells containing flammable 
liquids, including methanol; formic acid; certain

[[Page 23363]]

borohydride materials; or butane that meet certain performance and 
consumer use standards. PHMSA is issuing this final rule in cooperation 
with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

DATES: Effective date: The effective date of these amendments is 
October 1, 2008.
    Voluntary Compliance Date: Voluntary compliance is authorized as of 
May 30, 2008.
    Incorporation by Reference Date: The incorporation by reference of 
publications listed in this final rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of October 1, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eileen Edmonson, Office of Hazardous 
Materials Standards, (202) 366-8553, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration (PHMSA), 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, 
DC 20590, facsimile telephone number (202) 366-7435, or by e-mail to 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On September 20, 2007, PHMSA published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM; 72 FR 53744) that proposed to amend the Hazardous 
Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) to permit certain 
fuel cell cartridges and systems designed for use in portable 
electronic devices to be transported in carry-on baggage on board 
passenger-carrying aircraft. Consistent with the requirements adopted 
by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in section 
8.1.1.2(r) of the 2007-2008 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions 
for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Technical 
Instructions), the NPRM proposed to permit fuel cell systems and 
cartridges that contain flammable liquids (including methanol), formic 
acid, and butane in carry-on baggage on board passenger-carrying 
aircraft provided the fuel cells conform to the industry technical 
specification governing the design and consumer use of fuel cell 
cartridges, power units, and power systems developed by the 
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)--IEC/PAS 62282-6-
1:2006(E), First Edition 2006-02, with Corrigendum 1, First Edition 
2007-04. We also proposed in the NPRM, in response to petitions for 
rulemaking, numbered P-1475 and P-1483, to permit fuel cell cartridges 
and systems that contain certain Class 8 (corrosive) borohydride 
materials to be transported in carry-on baggage on board passenger-
carrying aircraft. We agreed with the petitioners that fuel cell 
cartridges and systems containing these materials pose similar safety 
risks and will operate in a similar manner as those containing formic 
acid. We also proposed to require that fuel cell cartridges and systems 
containing certain borohydride materials conform to the same IEC 
technical specification described earlier.
    The IEC specification contains detailed manufacturing, safety, and 
testing requirements to address conditions that may be encountered 
during use, misuse, and consumer transportation. One design requirement 
of the IEC specification is that the fuel cell systems' outputs do not 
exceed 60 volts and 240 watts. To ensure the capability of the fuel 
cell and cartridge to withstand normal conditions of consumer handling 
and transportation, the specification requires various design-type 
tests such as pressure differential, vibration, temperature cycling, 
high temperature exposure, drop, compressive loading, connection 
cycling, external short circuit, and long-term storage.
    Under the NPRM, we proposed to limit the amount of fuel per 
cartridge to a maximum quantity of 200 mL (6.76 ounces) for liquids, 
200 mL (6.76 ounces) for metal fuel cell cartridges containing butane, 
120 mL (4.0 ounces) for non-metallic fuel cell cartridges containing 
butane, and 200 g (7 ounces) for solids. Because the IEC specification 
states Class 8 borohydride fuels may be liquid or solid (see Figure 
E1.4 and Sections E1.3.5.1, E1.3.7.1, and E1.3.46), and establishes a 
200 g limit for solid fuel per fuel cell cartridge (see Sections 
E1.4.12.1.3 and E2.4.12.1.3), we proposed this same limit for solid 
fuel in the NPRM. We also proposed to limit aircraft passengers to two 
spare fuel cell cartridges per person.
    We proposed in the NPRM to permit fuel cells containing the 
following types of materials to be transported in carry-on baggage on 
passenger aircraft: (1) Gases meeting the criteria for classification 
as Division 2.1 (flammable gases), (2) solids meeting the criteria for 
classification as Division 4.3 (dangerous when wet), and (3) liquids 
meeting the criteria for classification as Class 3 (flammable) or Class 
8 (corrosive) material. We unintentionally omitted from the NPRM's 
preamble text that the proposed rulemaking also considered solid fuels 
meeting the criteria for classification as Class 8 material. PHMSA 
worked closely with FAA to evaluate the transportation safety risks 
presented by these fuel cell cartridges and systems and determined that 
they may be transported safely in the cabin of a passenger-carrying 
aircraft.

II. Comments on the NPRM

    PHMSA received comments from the Methanol Institute, MTI MicroFuel 
Cells, Inc., the U.S. Fuel Cell Council, and Lilliputian Systems. The 
commenters unanimously support adoption of the proposed rule. Several 
offered more specific comments on particular aspects of the proposal, 
as addressed in detail below.

A. Limitation on Fuel Cells Used To Charge Batteries or Devices

    In the NPRM, we proposed to limit fuel cell cartridges and systems 
carried by passengers and crew members to a type and design that will 
not continue to charge batteries when the device being powered is not 
in use. This proposed limitation is consistent with restrictions 
adopted by ICAO.
    The Methanol Institute and MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc., suggest that 
this restriction is inconsistent with HMR requirements applicable to 
other energy producing devices such as lithium metal or lithium ion 
batteries, which are not subject to operating limitations when carried 
in the passenger cabin of an aircraft. Although the function of fuel 
cell cartridges and devices may be similar to those of other energy 
producing devices permitted in transportation under the HMR, we 
disagree with the commenters that the risks posed by these devices are 
similar. We determined through our technical review that fuel cell 
cartridges and systems designed solely to energize devices or that 
energize devices that are not in use have the potential to overwhelm 
the safety systems contained in the device, posing a risk of 
overheating, electric shock, or fuel product release. We will continue 
to work with the industry and international agencies to evaluate the 
safety of these fuel cell cartridges and systems as the technology 
evolves and to consider whether additional rulemaking may be 
appropriate.

B. Use of the Term ``Fuel Cell Cartridge''

    The U.S. Fuel Cell Council objects to PHMSA's use of the wording 
``fuel cell cartridge.'' It states one company, ReliOn, has used the 
term since the year 2000 to refer to its patented fuel cell system, 
composed of multiple ``hot-swappable'' fuel cell cartridges, and to 
refer to a cartridge that holds a fuel cell but not fuel. The commenter 
states the use of this wording will cause confusion in the marketplace 
and requests that we replace it with the wording ``fuel cartridges for 
fuel cell devices.''
    We do not agree that our use of the term ``fuel cell cartridge'' 
will cause

[[Page 23364]]

confusion in the regulated community. We note that the terms ``fuel 
cell cartridge'' and ``fuel cell system'' are used extensively in the 
IEC Specification No. IEC/PAS 62282-6-1 and the U.S. Fuel Council's 
Special Permit request, dated November 28, 2006, submitted by Dangerous 
Goods Transport Consulting, Inc., on its behalf. The term ``fuel cell 
cartridge'' has a well-established meaning in the industry and is not 
generally used as a specific reference to the system developed by the 
ReliOn Company.

III. Provisions of This Final Rule

    In this final rule, PHMSA is amending the HMR to permit the 
transportation in carry-on baggage on passenger-carrying aircraft of 
fuel cell cartridges and systems containing Class 3 flammable liquids, 
including methanol; formic acid and borohydride materials meeting the 
definition for a Class 8 material; and butane, a Division 2.1 gas.
    PHMSA is also requiring fuel cells to conform to certain rigorous 
performance criteria, which are consistent with the passenger 
authorizations adopted for the 2007-2008 edition of the ICAO Technical 
Instructions. As stated earlier in this preamble, these criteria 
include compliance with the industry technical specification and 
addendum developed by the IEC governing the design and consumer use of 
fuel cell cartridges, power units, and power systems (IEC Specification 
No. IEC/PAS 62282-6-1:2006(E), First Edition 2006, with Corrigendum 1, 
First Edition 2007). PHMSA finds the IEC technical specification 
comprehensive in that it addresses design, manufacturing, testing, and 
transportation specific to micro-fuel cells, as well as requirements 
for valves, filling, packaging performance, failure mode analysis, 
consumer refilling, materials of construction, exterior and exhaust 
temperature limits, warnings, certification, markings, and 
manufacturers' instructions. PHMSA and FAA also strongly support the 
recent addendum to the IEC specification mandating a zero-leak standard 
as a basis for successfully passing the design-type tests, which we 
find is equivalent to the safety standard established for certain non-
bulk gas packagings in the HMR. Fuel cell cartridges and systems 
carried by airline passengers and crew must be marked ``APPROVED FOR 
CARRIAGE IN AIRCRAFT CABIN ONLY'' by the manufacturer. This marking is 
the manufacturer's certification that the fuel cell cartridges and 
systems conform to the performance standard established in the revised 
IEC technical specification and all other applicable requirements 
prescribed in the HMR.
    In addition, consistent with the standard adopted for the ICAO 
Technical Instructions, in this final rule PHMSA is limiting the amount 
of hazardous material that may be contained in each individual fuel 
cell authorized for transportation in carry-on baggage on board 
passenger-carrying aircraft to 200 mL (6.76 ounces) of liquid fuel per 
cartridge, 200 mL (6.76 ounces) of liquefied gas fuel per metal 
cartridge, 120 mL (4 fluid ounces) of liquefied gas fuel per non-
metallic fuel cartridge, and 200 g (7 ounces) of solid material fuel 
per cartridge. Also consistent with the ICAO Technical Instructions, 
each passenger or crew member will be permitted to carry up to two 
spare cartridges.
    To reduce possible releases, passengers and crew members are 
prohibited from refilling fuel cell cartridges and systems, except to 
install a spare cartridge. In addition, fuel cell cartridges and 
systems carried by passengers and crew members are limited to a type 
and design that will not solely charge batteries or continue to charge 
batteries when the device being powered is not in use. Again, these 
prohibitions are consistent with the passenger authorizations for fuel 
cells adopted under the ICAO Technical Instructions.
    PHMSA and FAA are confident that fuel cells containing flammable 
liquids, including methanol; formic acid; certain borohydride 
materials; or butane that are manufactured in accordance with the IEC 
specification may safely be transported in the passenger cabin of an 
aircraft under the conditions established in this final rule. However, 
as indicated above, fuel cells are an evolving technology. PHMSA will 
continue to work with the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center to 
evaluate the safety risks posed by various types of fuel cell 
cartridges and systems. We also intend to work closely with the ICAO 
and other international standards-setting organizations to identify and 
address safety issues associated with the transportation of fuel cells 
by all modes of transportation.

VII. Transportation Security Administration

    The Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA) is authorized to prescribe security standards for 
all modes of transportation, including aviation (49 U.S.C. 114(d)). 
Under this authority, TSA prohibits airline passengers from carrying 
weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices and has published several 
interpretative rules to provide guidance on the types of property TSA 
considers subject to the prohibition (68 FR 7444; 68 FR 9902; 70 FR 
9877).
    PHMSA consulted with TSA during the development of this final rule 
concerning current security limitations applicable to the carriage of 
fuel cells by aircraft passengers and crewmembers and shared with TSA 
our technical analysis supporting this rulemaking. We understand that 
TSA is continuing to consider whether or not any additional security 
measures for fuel cells or fuel cell systems may be appropriate. This 
final rule does not limit TSA's authority to address security concerns 
related to the transportation of fuel cells or fuel cell systems.
    On September 26, 2006, TSA imposed a strict limit on liquids, gels, 
and aerosols an aircraft passenger is permitted to take through a 
security checkpoint in carry-on baggage. TSA limits these materials to 
3-ounce (100 mL) or smaller containers placed in a clear quart-size, 
zip-top plastic bag. Fuel cell cartridges and systems will be subject 
to this limitation, notwithstanding the provisions adopted in this 
final rule.

VIII. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

A. Statutory/Legal Authority for This Rulemaking

    This final rule is published under the following statutory 
authorities:
    1. 49 U.S.C. 5103(b) authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to 
prescribe regulations for the safe transportation, including security, 
of hazardous material in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. 
This final rule amends the HMR to promote the safe transportation of 
fuel cells carried by airline passengers and crew members. To this end, 
as detailed above, PHMSA is amending the HMR to limit the types and 
quantities of fuel cell cartridges and fuel cell systems permitted in 
carry-on baggage on passenger aircraft, prescribe specific performance-
based design and packaging criteria for these articles, and limit the 
manner in which they may be used during air transportation.
    2. Section 5120 of Federal hazardous materials transportation law 
(49 U.S.C. 5120), authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to 
participate in the development of international standards for the 
transportation of hazardous materials and grants the Secretary broad 
discretion to harmonize the HMR with international standards. Section 
5120(c) permits the Secretary to establish more stringent standards for 
transportation in the United States as necessary in the

[[Page 23365]]

public interest. The amendments in this final rule will harmonize the 
HMR with international requirements for fuel cell systems and 
cartridges to the extent these are consistent with PHMSA's safety 
objectives.

B. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This final rule is not a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and was not reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget. This final rule is a non-significant 
rule under the Regulatory Policies and Procedures of the Department of 
Transportation [44 FR 11034].
    Fuel cells are an emerging technology designed to meet the growing 
demand for alternative energy sources. Fuel cell technology has not yet 
achieved wide-spread commercialization, but is being developed for use 
in mobile phones, laptop computers, and, to a lesser extent, 
camcorders, digital cameras, and personal digital assistants 
(``PDAs''). In 2006, the U.S. Fuel Cell Council conducted an industry 
survey and received comments from 181 respondents. The respondents 
reported that sales from 2005 to 2006 of all fuel cell and fuel cell-
based systems increased by 7 percent to $353 million, and research and 
development expenditures and industry employment over the same period 
increased by 11 and 12 percent to $796 million and 7,074 employees, 
respectively. Fuel cell cartridges and systems designed for portable 
electronic devices are a small part of these reported results. The 
industry projects fuel cells for portable electronic devices will 
achieve significant market penetration by 2009.
    By authorizing their carriage by airline passengers and crew, the 
regulatory changes addressed in this rulemaking will lift barriers to 
the commercialization and distribution of fuel cell cartridges for use 
in personal electronic equipment. The costs associated with this 
rulemaking proposal primarily relate to the costs for testing fuel cell 
designs in accordance with the IEC consensus specification. We expect 
most fuel cell manufacturers will voluntarily comply with the IEC 
specification as a positive marketing tool because it addresses broad 
consumer safety issues and provides independent assurance that fuel 
cells will meet a rigorous safety standard. Thus, the incremental costs 
imposed by this final rule are expected to be minimal.

C. Executive Order 13132

    This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles 
and criteria set forth in Executive Order 13132 (``Federalism''). The 
requirements that result from this final rule will preempt State, 
local, and Indian tribe requirements but will not have substantial 
direct effects on the States, the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, the 
consultation and funding requirements of Executive Order 13132 do not 
apply.
    Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5125(b)) 
expressly preempts State, local, and Indian tribe requirements on 
certain covered subjects, as follows:
    (1) The designation, description, and classification of hazardous 
materials;
    (2) The packing, repacking, handling, labeling, marking, and 
placarding of hazardous materials;
    (3) The preparation, execution, and use of shipping documents 
related to hazardous materials, and requirements related to the number, 
contents, and placement of those documents;
    (4) The written notification, recording, and reporting of the 
unintentional release in transportation of hazardous materials; and
    (5) The design, manufacture, fabrication, inspection, marking, 
maintenance, reconditioning, repair, or testing of a packaging or 
container represented, marked, certified, or sold as qualified for use 
in transporting hazardous material.
    This final rule addresses covered subject items (1), (2), (3), and 
(5) above and will preempt State, local, and Indian tribe requirements 
not meeting the ``substantively the same'' standard. Pursuant to 49 
U.S.C. 5125(b)(2), we will deem federal preemption effective upon the 
effective date of the final rule. We are making the final rule 
effective on October 1, 2008.

D. Executive Order 13175

    This final rule was analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria set forth in Executive Order 13175 (``Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments''). Because it does not 
have tribal implications and does not impose substantial direct 
compliance costs, the funding and consultation requirements of 
Executive Order 13175 do not apply to this final rule.

E. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires an 
agency to review regulations to assess their impact on small entities, 
unless the agency determines the final rule is not expected to have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. This 
final rule will relax regulatory barriers to the transportation of fuel 
cells used in personal electronic devices and, accordingly, is expected 
to have a positive impact on small businesses that manufacture, 
distribute, transport, or use such items. As indicated above, we expect 
the incremental costs imposed by this final rule to be minimal. 
Therefore, PHMSA certifies that the amendments prescribed in this final 
rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    This final rule has been developed in accordance with Executive 
Order 13272 (``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency 
Rulemaking'') and DOT's procedures and policies to promote compliance 
with the Regulatory Flexibility Act to ensure that potential impacts of 
final rules on small entities are properly considered.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, requires 
PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected agencies 
an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping 
requests. This final rule does not include new information collection 
or recordkeeping requirements.

G. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of 
this document can be used to cross-reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This final rule does not impose unfunded mandates under the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. It does not result in costs of 
$120.7 million or more to either State, local or tribal governments, in 
the aggregate, or to the private sector, and is the least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objective of the rule.

I. Environmental Assessment

    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Sec. Sec.  4321-4375, 
requires that federal agencies analyze regulatory actions to determine 
whether the action will have a significant impact on the human 
environment. The Council on

[[Page 23366]]

Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations order federal agencies to 
conduct an environmental review considering (1) the need for the 
action, (2) alternatives to the action, (3) environmental impacts of 
the action and alternatives, and (4) the agencies and persons consulted 
during the consideration process. 40 CFR 1508.9(b).
    We have reviewed the risks associated with transporting fuel cell 
systems and cartridges. The amount of hazardous material contained 
within the fuel cells or cartridges to which this final rule applies is 
minimal, limited to 200 mL or 200 g. Even if a large number of these 
devices were compromised and their hazardous materials contents 
released, the environmental impact of the release will not be 
significant. We have determined there will be no significant 
environmental impacts associated with this final rule.
Consultation and Public Comment
    As discussed above, PHMSA consulted with the IEC and many companies 
representing the fuel cell industry here and abroad to prepare for U.N. 
Dangerous Goods Council meetings on these devices. PHMSA also 
participated in the technical review of papers prepared by these 
companies explaining the potential risks and measures taken in the IEC 
specification to reduce risks for each fuel the IEC specification 
states may be present in a fuel cell. As discussed earlier, PHMSA also 
has consulted extensively with the U.S. Fuel Council, Medis 
Technologies, Ltd., and Millenium Cell, Inc., in response to their 
petitions for rulemaking, P-1475 and P-1483, respectively, to permit 
passengers and crew to transport in carry-on baggage on board passenger 
aircraft fuel cells containing flammable liquid, formic acid, butane, 
and Class 8 borohydride materials for use in portable electronic 
devices. PHMSA has also received one letter signed by approximately 18 
companies and 4 letters from commenters that support amending the HMR 
to permit fuel cells to be transported in personal electronic devices 
in carry-on luggage on board passenger-carrying aircraft.

List of Subjects

49 CFR Part 171

    Exports, Hazardous materials transportation, Hazardous waste, 
Imports, Incorporation by reference, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

49 CFR Part 173

    Hazardous materials transportation, Packaging and containers, 
Radioactive materials, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Uranium.

49 CFR Part 175

    Air carriers, Hazardous materials transportation, Incorporation by 
reference, Radioactive materials, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

0
In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR Chapter I is amended as 
follows:

PART 171--GENERAL INFORMATION, REGULATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 171 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.45 and 1.53; 
Public Law 101-410 section 4 (28 U.S.C. 2461 Note); Public Law 104-
134 section 31001.


0
2. In Sec.  171.7, amend paragraph (a)(3), in the Table, by adding a 
new entry for the International Electrotechnical Commission in 
appropriate alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec.  171.7  Reference material.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (3) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              49 CFR
               Source and name of material                   Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 3, rue
 de Varemb[eacute], P.O. Box 131, CH--1211, GENEVA 20,
 Switzerland:
    Fuel cell technologies--Part 6-1: Micro fuel cell       Sec.  175.10
     power systems--Safety, IEC/PAS 62282-6-1:2006(E),
     First Edition 2006-02, with Corrigendum 1, First
     Edition 2007-04....................................
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

0
3. Sec.  171.8, three new definitions for ``fuel cell,'' ``fuel cell 
cartridge,'' and ``fuel cell system'' are added in alphabetical order 
to read as follows:


Sec.  171.8  Definitions and abbreviations.

* * * * *
    Fuel cell means an electrochemical device that converts the energy 
of the chemical reaction between a fuel, such as hydrogen or hydrogen 
rich gases, alcohols, or hydrocarbons, and an oxidant, such as air or 
oxygen, to direct current (d.c.) power, heat, and other reaction 
products.
    Fuel cell cartridge or Fuel cartridge means a removable article 
that contains and supplies fuel to the micro fuel cell power unit or 
internal reservoir, not to be refilled by the user.
    Fuel cell system means a fuel cell with an installed fuel cell 
cartridge together with wiring, valves, and other attachments that 
connect the fuel cell or cartridge to the device it powers. The fuel 
cell or cartridge may be so constructed that it forms an integral part 
of the device or may be removed and connected manually to the device.
* * * * *

PART 173--SHIPPERS--GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND 
PACKAGINGS

0
4. The authority citation for part 173 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.53.


0
5. In Sec.  173.230, paragraph (a) is revised and new paragraph (d) is 
added, to read as follows:


Sec.  173.230  Fuel cell cartridges containing flammable liquids.

    (a) A fuel cell cartridge must be designed and constructed to 
prevent the fuel it contains from leaking during normal conditions of 
transportation and be free of electric charge generating components.
* * * * *
    (d) Fuel cells intended for transportation in carry-on baggage on 
board passenger aircraft must also meet the applicable provisions 
prescribed in Sec.  175.10 of this subchapter.

[[Page 23367]]

PART 175--CARRIAGE BY AIRCRAFT

0
6. The authority citation for part 175 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.53.


0
7. In Sec.  175.10, new paragraph (a)(18) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  175.10  Exceptions for passengers, crew members, and air 
operators.

    (a) * * *
    (18) Portable electronic devices (for example, cameras, cellular 
phones, laptop computers, and camcorders) powered by fuel cell systems, 
and not more than two spare fuel cell cartridges per passenger or crew 
member, when transported in carry-on baggage by aircraft under the 
following conditions:
    (i) Fuel cell cartridges may contain only Class 3 flammable liquids 
(including methanol), Class 8 formic acid, Class 8 borohydride 
materials, or Division 2.1 butane;
    (ii) The maximum quantity of fuel in any fuel cell cartridge may 
not exceed:
    (A) 200 mL (6.76 ounces) for liquids,
    (B) 120 mL (4 fluid ounces) for liquefied gases in non-metallic 
fuel cell cartridges, or 200 mL for liquefied gases in metal fuel cell 
cartridges;
    (C) 200 g (7 ounces) for solids;
    (iii) No more than two spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried by 
a passenger;
    (iv) Fuel cell systems containing fuel and fuel cell cartridges 
including spare cartridges are permitted in carry-on baggage only;
    (v) Fuel cell cartridges may not be refillable by the user. 
Refueling of fuel cell systems is not permitted except that the 
installation of a spare cartridge is allowed. Fuel cell cartridges that 
are used to refill fuel cell systems but that are not designed or 
intended to remain installed (fuel cell refills) in a portable 
electronic device are not permitted;
    (vi) Fuel cell systems and fuel cell cartridges must conform to 
IEC/PAS 62282-6-1 (IBR; see Sec.  171.7 of this subchapter);
    (vii) Interaction between fuel cells and integrated batteries in a 
device must conform to IEC/PAS 62282-6-1. Fuel cell systems for which 
the sole function is to charge a battery in the device are not 
permitted;
    (viii) Fuel cell systems must be of a type that will not charge 
batteries when the portable electronic device is not in use; and
    (ix) Each fuel cell cartridge and system that conforms to the 
requirements in this paragraph (a)(18) must be durably marked by the 
manufacturer with the wording: ``APPROVED FOR CARRIAGE IN AIRCRAFT 
CABIN ONLY'' to certify that the fuel cell cartridge or system meets 
the specifications in IEC/PAS 62282-6-1 and all other applicable 
requirements of this subchapter.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 22, 2008, under the authority 
delegated in 49 CFR part 1.
Carl T. Johnson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E8-9203 Filed 4-29-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P