---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 173.54"
title: "49"
number: "173.54"
heading: "Forbidden explosives."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/173.54"
---

# §173.54. Forbidden explosives.


Unless otherwise provided in this subchapter, the following explosives shall not be offered for transportation or transported:

- (a) An explosive that has not been approved in accordance with [§ 173.56](/cfr/49/173.56.md) of this subpart.
- (b) **An explosive mixture or device containing a chlorate and also containing—**
  - (1) An ammonium salt, including a substituted ammonium or quaternary ammonium salt; or
  - (2) **An acidic substance, including a salt of a weak base and a strong acid.**
- (c) **A leaking or damaged package or article containing an explosive.**
- (d) **Propellants that are unstable, condemned or deteriorated.**
- (e) Nitroglycerin, diethylene glycol dinitrate, or any other liquid explosives not specifically authorized by this subchapter.
- (f) A loaded firearm (except as provided in [49 CFR 1544.219](/cfr/49/1544.219.md)).
- (g) **Fireworks that combine an explosive and a detonator.**
- (h) **Fireworks containing yellow or white phosphorus.**
- (i) A toy torpedo, the maximum outside dimension of which exceeds 23 mm (0.906 inch), or a toy torpedo containing a mixture of potassium chlorate, black antimony (antimony sulfide), and sulfur, if the weight of the explosive material in the device exceeds 0.26 g (0.01 ounce).
- (j) Explosives specifically forbidden in the [§ 172.101](/cfr/49/172.101.md) table of this subchapter.
- (k) Explosives not meeting the acceptance criteria specified in [§ 173.57](/cfr/49/173.57.md) of this subchapter.
- (l) An explosive article with its means of initiation or ignition installed, unless approved in accordance with [§ 173.56](/cfr/49/173.56.md).

## Notes

### Amendments

[Amdt. 173-224, 55 FR 52617 Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66267, Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 173-236, 58 FR 50236, Sept. 24, 1993; 67 FR 61013, Sept. 27, 2002; 68 FR 48569, Aug. 14, 2003]

### Source

Source: Amdt. 173-224, 55 FR 52617, Dec. 21, 1990, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.81, 1.96 and 1.97.

### Amendments

[Amdt. 173-224, 55 FR 52617 Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66267, Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 173-236, 58 FR 50236, Sept. 24, 1993; 67 FR 61013, Sept. 27, 2002; 68 FR 48569, Aug. 14, 2003]