FAQ on Aerosol Containers and Gas Cartridges

From: Transport Canada

Design and Construction

Selection and Use

Facility Registration

What aerosols and gas cartridges can I use in Canada?

Section 5.10 of the TDG Regulations specifies that for transport of dangerous goods in Class 2 by any mode, means of containment in accordance with CGSB-43.123 are permitted. In addition, Section 5.11 of the TDG Regulations requires dangerous goods that are UN1950, Aerosols, or UN2037, gas cartridges, to be contained in a means of containment that is manufactured, selected and used in accordance with CGSB-43.123.

The specification of aerosol container or gas cartridge that must be used is dependent on the internal pressure of the contents at 55 °C. If the internal pressure in the container at 55 °C, when filled for transport with the gas, is below 965 kPa, the container used may be a non-specification container. Higher than that pressure, it must be a TC specification container. Please consult CGSB 43.123 for which specification is required at which pressures.

In addition to TC specification aerosol containers and gas cartridges, as per Clause 8.1.9 of CGSB 43.123, a DOT specification DOT-2P, DOT-2P1, DOT-2Q, DOT-2Q2 or DOT-2S container that is authorized by 49CFR to be used to transport dangerous goods may be used in Canada if:

  1. the containers are manufactured and filled with dangerous goods in the United States; or
  2. the containers are manufactured outside of Canada in accordance with 49 CFR and filled in Canada in accordance with CGSB 43.123

This reciprocity includes only DOT specification aerosols and gas cartridges and does not include aerosols or gas cartridges that are marked with a special permit marking.

How do I identify a TC specification aerosol or gas cartridge?

A TC specification aerosol or gas cartridge will have a marking displayed on it that indicates the specification. For aerosols, this marking may be one of the following: TC-2P, TC-2P1, TC-2Q, TC-2Q2, TC-2R or TC-2S. For gas cartridges only specifications TC-2P, TC-2P2 and TC-2Q are permitted. In order to be able to apply this marking to the container, done at time of manufacture, the manufacturer of the aerosol container or gas cartridge must be registered with Transport Canada for that TC specification pursuant to CGSB 43.123.

Where can I get a TC specification aerosol or gas cartridge?

Search the TDG database for Aerosol Manufacturers for manufacturers registered with Transport Canada to manufacture TC specification aerosols and gas cartridges in accordance with CGSB 43.123.

Design and Construction

What are the requirements for TC specification aerosol containers and gas cartridges?

TC specification aerosol containers and gas cartridges must be designed, manufactured and tested in conformance with the requirements set out in the CGSB 43.123 standard. The requirements specified in this standard also include the requirements with regards to selection and use as well as disposal of aerosol containers and gas cartridges in Canada.

Selection and Use

How do I select and use the right TC specification aerosol container or gas cartridge for the dangerous goods?

It is the consignor's responsibility to select the appropriate container for their dangerous goods consignment.

CGSB 43.123 is the safety standard applicable to the selection and use of aerosol containers and gas cartridges for the transportation of dangerous goods, Class 2.

Can I use an aerosol container or gas cartridge other than a TC specification aerosol container or gas cartridge?

Yes. Three different types of containers are also permitted, as listed below.

Non-specification

If the internal pressure in the container at 55 °C, when filled for transport with the gas, is below 965 kPa, the container used may be a non-specification container.

Reciprocity with the United States

In addition to TC specification aerosol containers and gas cartridges, as per Clause 8.1.9 of CGSB 43.123, a DOT specification DOT-2P, DOT-2P1, DOT-2Q, DOT-2Q2 or DOT-2S container that is authorized by 49CFR to be used to transport dangerous goods may be used in Canada if:

  1. manufactured and filled with dangerous goods in the United States; or
  2. manufactured outside of Canada in accordance with 49 CFR and filled in Canada in accordance with CGSB 43.123

Note that the DOT-2Q1 requirements differ significantly from the similar Transport Canada specification TC-2R with regards to burst pressure testing. As such the DOT-2Q1 specification is not equivalent to a TC specification and is not permitted for use in Canada under Clause 8.1.8 of CGSB 43.123.

Additionally, please note that the reciprocity under Clause 8.1.9 only includes the DOT specifications listed and does not include aerosols or gas cartridges that are marked with a special permit marking.

Approved by Equivalency Certificate

Certain aerosol containers or gas cartridges are approved for use under an Equivalency Certificate. Such containers have the Equivalency Certificate number marked on them (e.g., TC-SU ####). These containers must be used in accordance with the terms of the respective Equivalency Certificate.

Facility Registration

How do I register as a TC specification aerosol container or gas cartridge manufacturer?

To register to manufacture TC specification aerosol containers or gas cartridges, the manufacturing facility must submit an application to the Director in accordance with clause 7 of CGSB 43.123. The Director will issue a numbered Certificate of Registration to manufacturers who meet the requirements of the standard. The manufacturer's registered mark indicated on the Certificate of Registration is included in the permanent marking of aerosol container or gas cartridge. A Certificate of Registration is valid for a period of five years, prior to which time the facility must apply for renewal.

A document describing what must be submitted for initial application is available here.

How do I renew a Certificate of Registration?

The Director may issue a new Certificate of Registration where the Director is satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated familiarity with the requirements of the standard and the capability to consistently meet the requirements of the standard. This Certificate of Registration will replace any Certificate of Registration previously issued to the facility.

To renew a Certificate of Registration, the certificate holder must submit a written application for renewal in accordance with clause 7.4 of the CGSB 43.123 standard, at least 3 months prior to expiry of the existing registration. The renewal application must indicate any changes to the information included in the initial application. If there are no changes, a statement to that effect should be made in the renewal application.

How do I change the company name on a Certificate of Registration?

A Certificate of Registration is issued to an individual or to a corporate entity who is the certificate holder. A certificate of registration may not be conveyed from one certificate holder to another. A name change on a Certificate of Registration is only permitted if the certificate holder remains the same individual or corporate entity as before. In such a case the certificate holder may submit a written request to the Director. The request must include the Certificate of Registration number, the new certificate holder name, a justification that the conditions for name change apply, and the date on which the change is proposed to become effective.

How can I request an amendment to an existing registration?

A facility registered with Transport Canada pursuant to CGSB 43.123 must submit an application for an amendment to a Certificate of Registration to the Director when there is a change to the information previously submitted to the Director for the purpose of obtaining a Certificate of Registration or when the facility wishes to request a change in the scope of its existing registration.

The Director may issue a revised Certificate of Registration where the Director is satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated familiarity with the requirements of the standard and the capability to consistently meet the requirements of the standard depending on the nature of the amendment. This Certificate of Registration will replace any Certificate of Registration previously issued to the facility.

Where can I obtain more information?

For more information:

Inquiries pertaining to applications for registration:
1-855-298-1520
After choosing the language (1 for English, 2 for French), press option 1.

MOCregister-Registrecontenant@tc.gc.ca

Technical inquiries pertaining to TC cylinders and tubes:
tdgcontainers-tmdcontenants@tc.gc.ca.
Please include the text "aerosol container" or “gas cartridge” in the subject line.

CGSB 43.123

Information on CGSB 43.123 (the standard on "Aerosol Containers and Gas Cartridges for Transport of Dangerous Goods".

Aerosol and Gas Cartridge Manufacturers

Search the TDG database for Aerosol Manufacturers for manufacturers registered with Transport Canada to manufacture TC specification aerosols and gas cartridges in accordance with CGSB 43.123.

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