How to Identify Residues on Shipping Papers [49 CFR 172.203(e)]

February 12, 2018

How to Identify Residues on Shipping Papers [49 CFR 172.203(e)]

Shippers must complete shipping papers (i.e., bills of lading, hazardous waste manifests) for shipments of packages that hold only residues of hazardous materials. There is one exception to this requirement at 49 CFR 173.29(c) that allows ground shipments of residue containing non-bulk containers if they are transported by a contract or private carrier for reconditioning, remanufacture, or reuse. This exception is not allowed for materials that are poisonous by inhalation.

49 CFR 172.203(e)(1) indicates that shippers of packages holding residues of hazardous materials or hazardous waste—other than tank cars—have the option to add the words “RESIDUE: Last Contained” immediately before or after the basic description on shipping papers for these materials.

For example, either of the following formats may be used:

  • RESIDUE: Last Contained UN 2334, Allylamine, 6.1 (3), PG I, Poison Inhalation Hazard Zone B
  • UN 2334, Allylamine, 6.1 (3), PG I, Poison Inhalation Hazard Zone B, RESIDUE: Last Contained


49 CFR 172.203(e)(2) requires that shippers of tank cars holding residues of hazardous materials include the words “RESIDUE: Last Contained” on shipping papers immediately before or after the basic description listed for the material, or immediately before the proper shipping name of the material—to clarify that only residue remains.

For example, any of these formats are acceptable:

  • RESIDUE: Last Contained UN 2334, Allylamine, 6.1 (3), PG I, Poison Inhalation Hazard Zone B
  • UN 2334, Allylamine, 6.1 (3), PG I, Poison Inhalation Hazard Zone B, RESIDUE: Last Contained
  • UN 2334, RESIDUE: Last Contained Allylamine, 6.1 (3), PG I, Poison Inhalation Hazard Zone B