There have been significant changes to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) in 2026, and two amendments published in June 2026 are particularly important.
The main changes to keep in mind (please consult Part II of the Canada Gazette or the Justice Canada website at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2001-286/)
CLASSIFICATION
International Harmonization — SOR/2026-112
The Regulations have been updated to better align with:
- the UN Recommendations, 22nd Edition;
- the 2022 IMDG Code;
- the ICAO Technical Instructions;
- certain U.S. requirements under 49 CFR.
This results in changes to UN numbers, shipping names, special provisions, and classification rules. The List of Dangerous Goods has therefore been completely revised. Several special provisions have also been amended. Classification rules and certain conditions of transport have been harmonized with international standards.
PACKAGING
The CAN/CGSB-43.150-2025 standard replaces the former TP 14850 standard for small containers.
Changes include:
- new rules concerning plastic containers;
- changes to permitted quantities;
- certain possibilities for extended use of containers (plastic in particular)
- reconditioning requirements;
- new requirements for the reassessment of container designs.
A requirement for periodic reassessment of designs, including reassessment every five years, will begin on July 1, 2029.
DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY MARKS
Labels, Placards and Marks
The marking requirements have been modernized:
- certain placard designs complying with UN recommendations and 49 CFR may now be used, particularly the “Toxic by Inhalation” labels;
- minimum dimensions are now specified;
- rules provide greater clarity regarding the visibility of labels on containers;
- the label for exempt lithium batteries will no longer require a telephone number (a telephone number will be required for air transport as of January 2027).
SHIPPING DOCUMENT
Dangerous goods must now be identified on the shipping document using either the words “Class” and “Packing Group”, or a column that clearly identifies these elements.
The quantities of dangerous goods must be indicated as net quantities: L for liquids, kg for solids, the net weight of the gas or cylinder capacity for Class 2, and the net quantity of explosive for Class 1.
The Regulations now provide greater clarification regarding when and how to use the statements “RESIDUE” or “RESIDUE-LAST CONTAINED” on the shipping document.
AIR TRANSPORT — SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Part 12 has been restructured to incorporate more of the ICAO requirements.
- air transport requirements are consolidated in Part 12;
- the ICAO Technical Instructions become the primary reference;
- the retention period for air transport documents generally changes from 2 years to 1 year;
- the rules for locations accessible only by aircraft have been modified.
TRANSPORTING DANGEROUS GOODS BETWEEN TWO PROPERTIES 3 KM OR LESS APART
The placarding rules have been clarified for road vehicles transporting dangerous goods between two properties separated by 3 km or less by a public road. The requirement to notify the local police of the movement has been removed.
A 12-MONTH TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
The 2026 amendments generally provide for a transitional period extending until the beginning of June 2027.
