Guide for reporting dangerous goods incidents

This guide is for reference only, and has no legal force or effect. Consignors, carriers and consignees are responsible for consulting the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations) to determine exact requirements. If there is a conflict between the guide and the TDG Regulations, the TDG Regulations takes precedence.

This guide is for any person involved in any way with the transport of dangerous goods. During such activities, incidents may occur that may lead to a release or anticipated release. Duty to report is described in section 18(1) of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 (TDG Act), and referenced in Part 8 of the TDG Regulations.

In these cases, the TDG Act provides that any person (you, e.g. a driver, a company representative, a shipmaster, a train operator etc.) who has the charge, management or control of a means of containment, shall report any release or anticipated release (for example: spills or accidents), loss or theft of dangerous goods that is or could be in excess of a quantity or concentration specified by regulation from the means of containment if it endangers, or could endanger, public safety.

  • You: the person who needs to report

As such, this guide aims to familiarize you with reporting requirements and to help you determine which report is required for your situation and to prepare it. Throughout the guide we provide information and tips for completing the forms. Each section also includes links to:

  • the relevant section of the TDG Regulations, or
  • any other available information or resources

To better understand the form's definitions and basic concepts, we strongly suggest you read this section before going further: Definition related to reports.

If you are already familiar with the material in the above-mentioned section, you can directly consult the Reports required by Transport Canada.

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