Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025

The Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025 would tighten federal regulations on foreign manufacturers of compressed gas cylinders used to transport hazardous materials in the United States. Currently, foreign manufacturers must obtain approval from the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to test cylinders outside the U.S. The bill would require manufacturers to disclose whether they have faced civil or criminal penalties and would establish a process allowing the public to request reevaluations of manufacturer approvals to verify safety compliance.

The legislation would also expand DOT's inspection authority over foreign manufacturers. The department would be able to conduct annual inspections when it determines there is good cause, request testing and production records, and perform random sample testing. Manufacturers who refuse inspections would lose their good standing status. Additionally, the bill would allow DOT to recover the costs of conducting foreign inspections, including travel and personnel time.

Currently, approvals for foreign manufacturers last indefinitely, but the bill would limit initial approvals to one year. However, DOT could extend approvals for up to five years if manufacturers meet specified requirements. The bill would also require DOT to publish an annual list of approved foreign manufacturers on the PHMSA website for public transparency.

The bill passed the House and is currently in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. If enacted, these changes would create more rigorous safety standards and oversight mechanisms for the compressed gas cylinders that transport hazardous materials across the country.