On November 21, 2012 (77 FR 69927), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) published a safety advisory notice for shippers and carriers of air bags. PHMSA has been alerted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that counterfeit air bags have been sold as replacement parts to consumers and repair professionals. These counterfeit products may contain unapproved explosives and thus pose additional transportation risks when compared to air bags manufactured through legitimate means. Air bags that deploy using a pyrotechnic device must be approved by PHMSA before the air bag is authorized for transportation in commerce. An air bag without an approval, including a counterfeit air bag, is considered a forbidden explosive as specified in § 173.54(a) of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171–180) and may not be offered for transportation or transported in commerce. Consumers or repair professionals who suspect they have a counterfeit air bag should contact a call center established by their auto manufacturer. A list of these call centers and other additional information, including the list of vehicles that may contain counterfeit air bags, can be found at www.SaferCar.gov.

PHMSA 11-21 Safety Note on Bad Air Bags.pdf