Are electronic shipping papers permitted, and what conditions apply?

• A. No, electronic shipping papers are never permitted
• B. Yes, electronic shipping papers are allowed if accessible, legible, and acceptable to authorities during the trip
• C. Yes, but only if the carrier provides a printed copy as well
• D. Yes, they are allowed for domestic shipments only

Answer: (B)

Electronic hazmat shipping papers are permitted. The key idea is that the shipping information must be available in a readable electronic form during the trip and must be acceptable to authorities in the field. So you can carry the paperwork on a device or another electronic format, as long as a responder or inspector can quickly access and read it when required. The document must be legible and contain all the required details, and officials must be able to accept the electronic version during the trip. It’s good practice to have a reliable method for displaying it and a backup plan (such as a printed copy) in case the device is inaccessible or fails.