Transport Canada

This bulletin is divided into 9 items and addresses batteries regulated under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations. Click here to download the full Transport Canada Bulletin on Batteries.

1 – General Information: Many batteries including household-type alkaline, nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), and silver zinc are not classified as dangerous goods. Depending on the battery chemistry and type of transport, requirements and restrictions can change.

2 – Classification of Batteries: Some batteries are regulated as dangerous goods because they may pose hazards during transport. Manufacture product information can assist in classifying the batteries along with the classification table provided in the Bulletin

3 – General Requirements for Shipping: Unless exempt from TDG Regulations, battery shipments must fully comply. This section of the Bulletin provides information regarding Documentation, Safety Marks, Containment and Training.

4 – Special Cases, Special Provisions or Equivalency Certificates: These allow for various degrees of relief from the TDG regulations. Special Cases relates primarily to weight exemptions. Special Provisions deals with UN3090, UN3091, UN2794, UN2795 and UN2800 batteries. Equivalency Certificates explains how one can obtain a permit for transporting batteries not in compliance with the TDG regulations, by providing and alternative while maintaining an equivalent level of safety while in transport.

5 – Shipping as Waste: This section is broken down into International, Domestic and Air Transport. For international, you must obtain permits from Environment Canada to export or import waste batteries. Domestically, waste batteries (provided the batteries are not damaged or leaking) are treated the same as new batteries. Unless otherwise approved, waste batteries or batteries being shipped for recycling or disposal can no longer be transported by aircraft. Please read the Bulletin for full details.

6 – Shipping by Vessel: Explains both International and Domestic Transport. International requires compliance with International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code). With Domestic, you must not use IMDG but comply with TDG Regulations only. Please read the Bulletin for full details.

7 – Shipping by Aircraft: Includes International and Domestic Transport. For the most part, requirements are to comply with ICAO Technical Instructions and additional TDG Regulations. Please read the Bulletin for full details.

8 – Cross-Border Shipments from the United States: When the shipment enters Canada from the U.S. by road or rail, you are allowed to comply with U.S. Regulations; however, this does not apply when shipments are travelling under exemptions issued in the U.S. Please read the Bulletin for full details.

9 – Upcoming Changes: Transport Canada has developed a new standard that has not been adopted as a requirement by TDG Regulations. Contact information is included in this section. For full details, please read the Bulletin.