Rules for shipping Halon/Halotron

Wil Ferch · 03-22-2011, 10:02 AM

What are the rules for shipping a halon/halotron fire extinguisher? Maybe even someone from Pelican office can chime in.

I bought a Halon extinguisher from Pelican, it was obviously sent by some sort of mail system to me ( in USA). I can't recall if USPS, UPS, FedEX, whatever. I resent this to a friend in Germany via USPS ( $50 shipping) and it came back to me from German authorities, postage due ( $50 again....arggghhh !!!!), and the recipient wasn't allowed to get it. Even if ( for whatever reason) Germany sends it back, they charge ME? again....even if I want it to go thru and even if the recipient wants it? Meaning , not on the basis of his refusal? If German authorities have an issue, why aren't they paying return shipping back to me?...or is that totally unreasonable? I'm open to this question.

What's the real poop with this stuff ? How do I get it over there?

Wil Ferch · 03-22-2011, 10:13 AM

From some sources am finding this.....ships only inside USA as UPS ground freight. OR.....air frieght that adds an additional Hazmat charge ( typ $35). Also that intl shipment is NOT allowed?

All this true?....

schumicat · 03-22-2011, 10:38 AM

why don't you call a shipper (UPS, USPS, fedex) and ask them if you can ship a pressurized container of Halon to Europe. I think they will tell you no, or more likely, hell no.

Wil Ferch · 11:00 AM

How did it come to me across country from California ( PelicanParts) to New York ? So it's OK as a safety device ON an aircraft, but it can't be air-freighted to Europe?.

Yes I can call a shipper and probably will, just trying the brain trust here first.

slimlynn1 · slimlynn1's Garage

They can be shipped, read 49 CFR part 173.309.
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2010/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.309.pdf

schumicat · 03-22-2011, 11:17 AM

it probably came to you by truck/train. Halon is probably also banned in Germany because of its ozone effects, and if so I doubt it can legally be imported by private parties. As for your question, you should research the Valu Jet disaster. A spare oxygen generator used in aircraft caused the loss of a commercial airliner with all onboard. So yes, there are rules that don't let you ship things by air even if they are used in aircraft.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wil Ferch

How did it come to me across country from California ( PelicanParts) to New York ? So it's OK as a safety device ON an aircraft, but it can't be air-freighted to Europe?.

Yes I can call a shipper and probably will, just trying the brain trust here first.

Wil Ferch · 03-22-2011, 11:26 AM

I am very familiar with the Valu Jet disaster....and aside from the common aspect of both being in a pressurized container.....that's where the similariity ends. Oxygen will enhance a burning process, whereas Halon is a fire-extinguisher. Not trying to lock horns with you....and appreciate the help....but the two are not the same. So I thought to ask. Halon is also "commonly" on-board aircraft as the purposeful fire extinguisher. I guess in this context you are also right as there must be O2 containers commonly on-board commercial aircraft to supply emergency masks, etc........so your point is well taken.

teenerted1 · 03-22-2011, 12:49 PM

most items that are under some sort of pressure can not ship by air(co2/tri-flow/o2/). has to go by ground!!!!!

remember this would probably be in an un-pressurized cargo area. oxygen in the passenger area would be in a pressurized section of the plane.

and if its banned in germany no way are they going to let you ship it there. yep its banned without a permit
Germany Country Profile

Germany Import Prohibitions
The following is a listing of commodities prohibited for entry into Germany:

Flick and Gravity Knives; knives with blades that open automatically by operation of a spring device, or released by gravity or centrifugal force.
Indecent or Obscene Material
Offensive Weapons; belt buckle knives, death stars, throwing stars, and martial arts equipment, Pepper and similar sprays
Fully Automatic weapons, any electronic night scopes, laser guides, or guides for weapons, Pump-guns with pistol grip, any concealed weapons; i.e. shooting ink pins, knives in walking sticks, any guns or weapons that contain or dispense chemicals of any kind unless specifically made for medical or industrial uses, any weapons containing any modifications beyond the manufacturer.
FIGHTING DOGS; Pit-bull -Terrier, American Staffordshire-Terrier, Staffordshire-Bullterrier, Bullterrier or any cross or mixed breeds of the afore mentioned. Also, each Bundesland (State) of the Republic (Germany) has additional prohibits of specific dogs above and beyond those mentioned; including but not limited to; Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Mastin Espanol, Mastino Napoletano, Perro de Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Mallorcin, Tosa Inu.
Any printed material, Film, Audio, CD, DVD, Cassettes containing propaganda of a violent and or aggressive nature or material of extreme right, race oriented, war provoking nature, or material encouraging aggressiveness towards the free democratic ordnances and establishments. Also, prohibited are any flags, copies, uniform pieces or memorabilia or replicas of the like representing an extreme and or aggressive non-democratic and or violent group and or ideologies.
Rabies susceptible Animals
Asbestos fibers: Crocidolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Actinolite, Tremolite subject to the Rotterdam Convention
Certain carcinogenic substances
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's)
Certain Pesticides subject to the Rotterdam Convention
Certain Chemicals subject to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
Counterfeit coins and bank notes
Certain Products subject to 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES)
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Goods bearing false origin statements
Goods infringing a trade mark
Goods infringing a copyright
Stamps (fictitious) including dies and plates for manufacture
All products containing the biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF)

Certain food items (if the shipment weight is 20 kgs or more) from certain countries cannot be cleared into Germany. Please contact GTS Germany for details
Ozone depleting substances (ODS, such as CFC or halon) or products containing them, except for fire extinguishers for aircraft (importer needs import license and permit)
Medication (including "over the counter" and certain nutritional supplements considered to be medication by Germany regulations; if uncertain, inquire with GTS Germany upfront) except for pharmaceutical manufacturers or traders with import permits/licenses.
Live animals ("animals" according to standard zoological/scientific definition, including insects, even fruit flies/drosophila melanogaster and nematodes

jsveb · jsveb's Garage

My guess is it came back because it is illegal in Germany.

I think you can only use Halon in aviation in Europe. This too will also be illegal in the coming years.

Just my guess.

Wil Ferch · 03-23-2011, 05:18 AM

Wonder what race teams do who bring their race team-in for events in Germany?........

wildcat077 · wildcat077's Garage

Halon is also illegal in Canada ...
I managed to purchase two 5lb extinguishers from a "clearance" but they told me i'd have to dispose of the bottle if i ever discharged it because they can't refill it and it doesn't jive with a Halotron refill !

Cheers !
Phil

Wil Ferch · 03-23-2011, 08:45 AM

Thanks All......I think I've got the overall picture that is emerging.... BTW..... the item in question for me is Halotron 1 , but that may not make a hill-of-beans difference.

Appreciate the feedback here......