FAQ on UN Standardized small containers

When is a UN standardized small container required?

How do I identify a UN standardized small container?

Where can I get UN standardized small containers?

Design and Construction

What are the testing requirements to qualify a UN standardized small container design?

How do I register as a UN standardized small container manufacturer?

How do I register a UN standardized small container design?

What are the quality assurance system requirements for UN standardized small container manufacturers?

How do I renew my Certificate of Registration?

How do I change the company name or address on a Certificate of Registration?

Selection and Use

Can I modify a registered UN small container design?

How do I select the right UN small container?

Where can I obtain more information?

When is a UN standardized small container required?

Subsection 5.12(1) of the TDG Regulations specifies that UN Standardized small means of containment selected and used in accordance with sections 2 and 3 and Part 2 of the TP14850 standard are permitted for transport of dangerous goods in Class 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8 and 9.

How do I identify a UN standardized small container?

A UN standardized container will have a UN marking displayed on its outer surface that meets the marking requirements set out in chapter 5 of TP 14850 or 6.1 of the UN Recommendations. The following is an example UN marking.


1A1 / Y 1.8 / 100 / 16
CAN / ABC 2-001
  1. The UN packaging symbol. For embossed metal containers, the letters “UN” may be displayed instead.
  2. The packaging code.
  3. The packing group for which the container design has been tested:
    X - acceptable for Packing Groups I, II and III dangerous goods
    Y - acceptable for Packing Groups II and III dangerous goods only
    Z - acceptable for Packing Group III dangerous goods only
  4. The relative density in (for liquids) or the gross mass in kg (for solids, viscous liquids or inner packagings) for which the packaging was tested. If the relative density is not marked, it is considered to not exceed 1.2.
  5. The hydrostatic test pressure in kPa (for liquids) or the letter ‘S' (identifying that it is a container for solids, viscous liquids or inner packagings).
  6. The last two digits of the year of manufacture. For packaging types 1H and 3H, the month of manufacture must also be shown.
  7. The country code for the country authorizing the allocation of the mark (e.g. CAN).
  8. The name or symbol of the manufacturer and other identification of the container as specified by the country authorizing the allocation of the mark (e.g. design registration number)

Where can I get UN standardized small containers?

UN small containers vendors

What are the testing requirements to qualify a UN standardized small container design?

A UN standardized small container manufactured in Canada must be in accordance with section 2 and 3 and Part 1 of the standard TP 14850. The performance tests required by chapter 7 of the TP 14850 are harmonized with those in chapter 6.1 of the UN Recommendations and are specific to each type of container. The severity of the tests varies according to the packing group. The tests must be conducted on containers in "as prepared for transport" condition.

How do I register as a UN standardized small container manufacturer?

To register as a UN standardized small container manufacturer, the applicant must submit an application to the Director. Each design of UN standardized container manufactured in Canada must be registered by Transport Canada in accordance with chapter 10 of TP 14850.

The registration process is initiated when the manufacturer submits an application for registration to the Director.

The Certificate of Registration remains valid until its indicated expiry date (normally five years) or its revocation for cause. A renewal application must be submitted to the Director at least three months prior to the current Certificate’s expiry.

How do I register a UN standardized small container design?

Each design of UN standardized small container manufactured in Canada must be registered by Transport Canada in accordance with section 10 of TP 14850. The registration process is initiated when the manufacturer submits an application for registration to the Director.

A container design is registered upon issuance, by the Director, of a Design Registration Number. Each container design will have its own Design Registration Number that will remain valid until its revocation for cause. The design registration numbers will be listed in Appendix A of the Certificate of Registration.

What are the quality assurance system requirements for UN standardized small container manufacturers?

A manufacturer of UN small containers must have and maintain a quality assurance system which meets:

  • for drums, jerricans and composite packagings, the requirements of ISO 9001. The quality system must be registered with an independent quality assurance system registrar accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or a foreign quality assurance systems registrar recognized by the SCC.
  • for other container types, the quality assurance system does not need to be registered but must ensure that the containers are in accordance with the tested and registered design, the requirements of the standard and the TDG regulations.

How do I renew my Transport Canada Certificate of Registration?

To renew a Certificate of Registration, the certificate holder must submit a written application for renewal to the Director prior to the current Certificate of Registration's expiry.

How do I change the company name or address on a Certificate of Registration?

A Certificate of Registration is issued to an individual or to a corporate entity who is the certificate holder. A Certificate of Registration may not be conveyed from one certificate holder to another. A name change on a Certificate of Registration is only permitted if the certificate holder remains the same individual or corporate entity as before. In such a case the certificate holder may submit a written request to the Director. The certificate holder’s address must be kept current. You must advise the Director in writing of any changes to the address of the certificate holder.

Please do not forget to indicate the date on which the change is proposed to become effective.

Can I modify a registered UN small container design?

Section 8 of TP 14850 outlines the variations permitted to a tested container design without retesting and with limited testing. Paragraph 8.1 addresses variations requiring no retesting and paragraph 8.2 addresses variations requiring limited testing. Manufacturers must inform Transport Canada of any design changes.

How do I select the right UN small container?

It is the consignor's responsibility to select a permitted and appropriate container for their dangerous goods shipment. To facilitate selection, the consignor should be familiar with the UN container marking code. All the requirements for container selection and use in section 2 and 3 and Part 2 of TP 14850 must be satisfied.

Where can I obtain more information?

For more information on matters pertaining to TP 14850:

Inquiries pertaining to applications for registration:
Telephone: 1-855-298-1520
After choosing the language (1 for English, 2 for French), press option 1.

Email: MOCregister-Registrecontenant@tc.gc.ca

Technical inquiries:
Email: tdgcontainers-tmdcontenants@tc.gc.ca.
Please include the text "Small Means of Containment" in the subject line.

Quick Links

TP 14.850

UN small Standardized containers vendors