Proposed Official Mexican Norm Regulating Labeling, Containers and Packing of Hazardous Materials

A draft NOM was recently published in the DOF which would cancel NOM-003-SCT/2000. The purpose of such NOM is to establish thecharacteristics, dimensions, symbols and colors of labels that must appear on all containers and packing which identify the class of riskrepresented during the transport and handling of hazardous substances, materials and waste. This proposal is mandatory on those shippers,carriers and recipients of hazardous materials and waste that travel by road, sea, and air. The proposal seeks to allow the easy identification,through visual awareness, of the risks associated with the contents of each container or package. The purpose is to allow authorities to be ableto: (i) recognize their general nature by the color, form and symbol appearing on the container and packaging which contains hazardousmaterials and waste; (ii) identify the nature of the potential risk posed by the hazardous materials or waste using symbols; and (iii) preventdangerous situations relating to the handling and storage of hazardous substances, materials or waste. The proposed NOM is consistent withvarious recommendations and rules approved at the international level.