Dangerous Goods
TDG Checker
Determine if your shipment is regulated under Canada's Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and understand what documentation is required.
Describe the product or commodity as specifically as possible.
About TDG in Canada
What is TDG?
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (S.C. 1992, c. 34) and its Regulations govern the handling, offering for transport, and transporting of dangerous goods in Canada. It applies to all modes — road, rail, air, and marine.
Who is responsible?
Both the shipper (the person who offers the goods for transport) and the carrier share TDG compliance responsibilities. Penalties for violations can exceed $50,000 per occurrence plus imprisonment in serious cases.
Key resources
- • Transport Canada TDG Directorate
- • TDG Regulations Schedule 1 (the index of dangerous goods)
- • CANUTEC emergency line: 1-888-226-8832
- • Product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — Section 14
Lithium batteries (Class 9)
New lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods. The required documentation varies by state-of-charge, watt-hour rating, and whether they are contained in equipment. They are one of the most common misclassified DG items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What regulations govern dangerous goods transport in Canada?
What is a UN number and why is it required on dangerous goods shipments?
What TDG training does a driver need to transport dangerous goods in Canada?
What is the difference between limited quantities and full TDG compliance?
About this tool
What it calculates
Determines whether a shipment is regulated under Canada's Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDG) and identifies the DG class, packing group, required documentation, and cross-border hazmat shipping paper requirements.
Who it's for
Shippers and carriers moving goods that may be regulated under TDG (chemicals, batteries, flammables, gases, and similar).
What you'll need
Product description, UN number (if known), quantity and packaging type.
How to use the result
Use to identify whether TDG training, documentation, and proper packaging are required. This tool provides preliminary guidance — actual TDG classification is the shipper's responsibility.
Key assumptions
Classification guidance reflects Transport Canada TDG regulations. Chemical products with multiple components or mixtures require professional classification.
When to confirm with a specialist
TDG violations carry significant penalties. For any regulated goods, confirm classification and documentation with a certified TDG trainer or OTR Logistics Solutions' dangerous goods team before shipping.
Need help with this shipment?
OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.