§ 109.13 Closing packages and safe resumption of transportation.

(a) No imminent hazard found. If, after an agent exercises an authority under § 109.5, the agent finds that no imminent hazard exists, and the package otherwise conforms to applicable requirements in subchapter C of this chapter, the agent will: (1) Assist in preparing the package for safe and prompt transportation, when practicable, by reclosing the package in accordance with the packaging manufacturer's closure instructions or other appropriate closure method; (2) Mark and certify the reclosed package to indicate that it was opened and reclosed in accordance with this part; (3) Return the package to the person from whom the agent obtained it, as soon as practicable; and (4) For a package containing a perishable hazardous material, assist in resuming the safe and expeditious transportation of the package as soon as practicable after determining that the package presents no imminent hazard. (b) Imminent hazard found. If an imminent hazard is found to exist after an agent exercises an authority under § 109.5, the Administrator or his/her designee may issue an out-of-service order prohibiting the movement of the package until the package has been brought into compliance with subchapter C of this chapter. Upon receipt of the out-of-service order, the person in possession of, or responsible for, the package must remove the package from transportation until it is brought into compliance. (c) Package does not contain hazardous material. If, after an agent exercises an authority under § 109.5, the agent finds that a package does not contain a hazardous material, the agent shall securely close the package, mark and certify the reclosed package to indicate that it was opened and reclosed, and return the package to transportation. (d) Non-compliant package. If, after an agent exercises an authority under § 109.5, the agent finds that a package contains hazardous material and does not conform to requirements in subchapter C of this chapter, but does not present an imminent hazard, the agent will return the package to the person in possession of the package at the time the non-compliance is discovered for appropriate corrective action. A non-compliant package may not continue in transportation until all identified non-compliance issues are resolved.