This bill tightens safety rules for foreign companies that make compressed gas cylinders sold in the United States. Right now, these foreign manufacturers can get approval for up to five years at a time. Under this new law, approvals would normally last only one year, though companies with a clean track record could still get five-year approvals if they meet stricter requirements.

The bill adds several new safeguards. Foreign manufacturers would have to answer detailed questions about whether they've been penalized for violations, owe money to the government, are connected to military entities, or face trade penalties. The government would also publish a public list of approved manufacturers and their approval dates so people can see who's allowed to operate. When companies apply for approval, the public would get 30 days to comment before the government decides. If a company refuses to let inspectors visit their facilities or lies on their application, the government can suspend or cancel their approval.

The law also gives the government stronger inspection powers. Inspectors can now demand to see production records and test results, and they can require annual inspections if they have concerns. Companies that block inspections lose their approved status. The government can also charge foreign manufacturers for the costs of inspections, including travel and staff time. Overall, this bill aims to make sure that compressed gas cylinders used in the U.S. meet safety standards and come from trustworthy manufacturers.

Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025

Moreno, Bernie

Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025 This bill expands the application, testing, and inspection requirements for a foreign manufacturer of cylinders used for transporting hazardous materials in the United States (e.g., compressed gas cylinders).Current regulations&nbsp;require a foreign manufacturer to apply for approval from the&nbsp;Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) for testing such cylinders outside of the United States.&nbsp;The bill requires that, to obtain an approval, a foreign manufacturer must answer in their application specified questions, including whether the manufacturer is or has been subject to various civil or criminal penalties.&nbsp;Further, DOT must establish a process for any interested party to request a reevaluation of an approval for a foreign manufacturer's cylinders to review the accuracy and safety of the manufacturer's actions.DOT must also revise the foreign inspection regulations to<ul><li>require that annual inspections of foreign manufacturers be carried out if DOT determines there is good cause;</li><li>specify that a refusal of inspection shall result in the loss of good standing;</li><li>allow DOT to request testing and production records and random sample testing; and</li><li>allow for the recovery of the costs of foreign inspections, including travel and time.</li></ul>The bill limits an approval to one year; however, DOT may extend an approval for five years for a manufacturer who meets certain requirements.On an annual basis, DOT must publish a list of approved foreign manufacturers of cylinders on the department's website.