Find information about the requirements for designing, manufacturing, selecting, and using aerosol containers and gas cartridges for transporting Class 2 dangerous goods, as well as registration requirements for container manufacturers, marking specifications, authorized use of DOT containers, and applicable safety standards outlined in CAN/CGSB-43.123.
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General
Identifying 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 CAN/CGSB 43.123.
Design and manufacture
TC specification aerosol containers and gas cartridges must be designed, manufactured and tested in conformance with the requirements set out in the CAN/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
It is the consignor's responsibility to select the appropriate container for their dangerous goods consignment.
CAN/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.
Aerosols and gas cartridges that can be used in Canada
Non-specification and TC specification containers
In Canada, aerosols and gas cartridges used for transporting dangerous goods must meet the requirements outlined in Sections 5.10 and 5.11 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations, which reference the CAN/CGSB-43.123 safety standard.
These requirements apply to dangerous goods in Class 2 (Gases) and specify the type of container that must be used, depending on the internal pressure of the contents at 55 °C:
- if the internal pressure is below or equal to 965 kPa, a non-specification container may be used
- if the internal pressure is above 965 kPa, a TC specification container is required
For detailed pressure and specification requirements, consult CAN/CGSB-43.123.
Reciprocity with the United States
In addition to TC specification aerosol containers and gas cartridges, a DOT specification DOT-2P, DOT 2P1, DOT-2Q, DOT-2Q2 or DOT-2S container authorized under U.S. 49 CFR may be used in Canada, as outlined in Clause 8.1.9 of CAN/CGSB-43.123 if:
- the container is manufactured and filled outside of Canada in accordance with 49 CFR, or
- the container is manufactured outside of Canada in accordance with 49 CFR and filled in Canada in accordance with CAN/CGSB-43.123
This reciprocity applies only to DOT specification containers. It does not apply to aerosols or gas cartridges marked with a special permit marking.
Approved by Equivalency Certificate
Some aerosol containers and gas cartridges are authorized for use under an Equivalency Certificate. These containers are marked with the certificate number (e.g., TC-SU ####) and must be used in accordance with the terms outlined in the respective certificate.
Registration
Registering as a manufacturer
To register, the applicant must submit a completed application form. Once issued, the Certificate of Registration is valid for five years, after which the facility must apply for renewal.
Amending, renewing or cancelling a registration
To amend, renew or cancel a registration the applicant must submit a completed application form.
Contact us
Inquiries pertaining to applications for registration
Telephone: 1-855-298-1520
After choosing the language (1 for English, 2 for French), press option 1.
Email: MOCregister-Registrecontenant@tc.gc.ca
Technical inquiries
Email: tdgcontainers-tmdcontenants@tc.gc.ca
Please include the text "aerosol container" or “gas cartridge” in the subject line.