Find information on the requirements for the design, manufacture, selection, use and registration of UN small means of containment and manufacturing facilities.
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General
Identifying a UN standardized small container
A UN standardized container will have a UN marking displayed on its outer surface that meets the marking requirements set out in chapter 5 of TP 14850 or 6.1 of the UN Recommendations. The following is an example UN marking:
1A1 / Y 1.8 / 100 / 25 / CAN / ABC 2-0001
- the UN packaging symbol. For embossed metal containers, the letters “UN” may be displayed instead
- the packaging code
- the packing group for which the container design has been tested:
- X - acceptable for Packing Groups I, II and III dangerous goods
- Y - acceptable for Packing Groups II and III dangerous goods only
- Z - acceptable for Packing Group III dangerous goods only
- the relative density in (for liquids) or the gross mass in kg (for solids, viscous liquids or inner packagings) for which the packaging was tested. If the relative density is not marked, it is considered to not exceed 1.2
- the hydrostatic test pressure in kPa (for liquids) or the letter ‘S' (identifying that it is a container for solids, viscous liquids or inner packagings)
- the last two digits of the year of manufacture. For packaging types 1H and 3H, the month of manufacture must also be shown
- the country code for the country authorizing the allocation of the mark (e.g. CAN)
- the name or symbol of the manufacturer and other identification of the container as specified by the country authorizing the allocation of the mark (e.g. design registration number)
Selecting a UN small container
It is the consignor's responsibility to select a permitted and appropriate container for their dangerous goods shipment. To facilitate selection, the consignor should be familiar with the UN container marking code. All the requirements for container selection and use in section 2 and 3 and Part 2 of TP 14850 must be satisfied.
Testing requirements for a UN standardized small container design
A UN standardized small container manufactured in Canada must be in accordance with section 2 and 3 and Part 1 of the standard TP 14850. The performance tests required by chapter 7 of the TP 14850 are harmonized with those in chapter 6.1 of the UN Recommendations and are specific to each type of container. The severity of the tests varies according to the packing group. The tests must be conducted on containers in "as prepared for transport" condition.
Obtaining a UN standardized small containers
Please consult UN small containers – Vendors.
Registration
Registering a design or a manufacturing facility
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 my registration
To amend, renew or cancel a registration (including adding, changing or deleting a design) the applicant must submit a completed application form.
Quality assurance system requirements
A manufacturer of UN small containers must have and maintain a quality assurance system which meets:
- for drums, jerricans and composite packagings, the requirements of ISO 9001 apply, and the quality system must be registered with an independent quality assurance system registrar accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or a foreign registrar recognized by the SCC
- for other container types, the quality assurance system does not need to be registered but must ensure that the containers are in accordance with the tested and registered design, the requirements of the standard and the TDG Regulations
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 "Small Means of Containment" in the subject line.