What You Need to Know
Transport Canada has introduced new regulations requiring businesses involved in the transportation of dangerous goods to register their sites. This initiative is aimed at improving the tracking and management of dangerous goods across Canada.
Why the New Regulations?
These regulations were prompted by recommendations from Transport Canada’s internal audits and evaluations by the Office of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD). The audits and evaluations identified gaps in tracking sites that handle dangerous goods, which made it difficult for Transport Canada to perform effective inspections and ensure compliance. The new Part 17: Site Registration Requirements under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations is designed to create a comprehensive registry of sites where dangerous goods are imported, offered for transport, handled, or transported.
Key Points of the New Regulations:
1. Definition of a Site:
A “site” refers to any permanent location in Canada where dangerous goods are imported, offered for transport, handled, or transported by a person or organization. This does not include places where dangerous goods are used in everyday work or as part of manufacturing processes.
2. Who Must Register?
Any person or entity involved in the import, handling, or transportation of dangerous goods at a site they own or operate in Canada must register. This requirement applies to a wide range of businesses, from manufacturers to transport companies.
3. Exemptions from Registration:
The regulations outline seven specific exemptions where registration is not required:
1. Cross-border Movements: Sites handling goods moving directly between the United States and Canada.
2. Certain Transits: Transit movements through Canada where no site is directly involved.
3. Agricultural Operations: Activities such as the handling of fertilizers at farms.
4. Retail and Consumer Goods: Sites where dangerous goods are sold or used as consumer products.
5. Low-Risk Activities: Sites where only low-risk dangerous goods are handled in small quantities.
6. Waste Management: Specific activities related to the management of waste dangerous goods.
7. Military and Emergency Operations: Operations involving the handling of dangerous goods by the military or during emergency response activities.
4. Registration Process:
• The registration process requires businesses to submit detailed information, including:
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- Canada Revenue Agency business number.
- Headquarters and site addresses.
- Details on the dangerous goods handled, such as class, division, and quantity.
- The specific activities performed at each site.
5. Annual Renewal:
Registered sites must renew their registration every year. If any key information changes—like the types of dangerous goods handled or the location of the site—businesses have 60 days to update their registration.
How to Register
Transport Canada has made the registration process accessible through an online platform on their website. They have also provided a video tutorial that walks you through the registration steps.
Additional Resources
To help businesses navigate the new regulations, Transport Canada offers several useful resources:
• Presentation on the New Platform: An in-depth look at the registration platform and what businesses need to do.
• Canada Gazette: Download the latest version of the regulations from the Canada Gazette, Part II, here.
Click here for More Information
Contact Transport Canada
Regional offices: Transportation of Dangerous Goods Contact Information (canada.ca)
Client Identification Database: Contact us (canada.ca)
If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact Transport Canada directly at Transport Canada.
Staying Compliant
Compliance with these new regulations is crucial for avoiding penalties and ensuring that your business meets the standards set by Transport Canada.
Be sure to visit the Transport Canada website, review the presentation, watch the tutorial, and download the Canada Gazette to ensure you’re fully compliant with the new site registration requirements.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance, you can reach us at +1 905 677 7066 or email us at katrina@dangerousgoods.ca.
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