Transport Canada introduced registration for dangerous goods handlers

In November 2023, federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez announced new registration requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods, which came into force on Nov. 3, along with a new Transport Canada Client Identification Database.

Transport Canada said the rules would give it more current, accurate and complete information about the people and organizations that move dangerous goods.

Who must register

• People and organizations that import, offer for transport, handle or transport dangerous goods at a site in Canada that they own or operate.
• They must describe those activities and the sites involved, and update the information every year.
• Organizations and sites had until Oct. 25, 2024, to register in the database.

Exemptions

The rules do not apply to:

• dangerous goods passing through Canada without being handled here
• people with no headquarters or site in Canada where these activities take place
• freight forwarders who offer goods for transport but never take direct possession of them

Penalties

Transport Canada said penalties could follow once the database had been in place for a year, up to criminal prosecution for extreme or repeated violations. Inspectors can issue fines of up to $1,000 for non-compliance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.