TDG Proof of Classification. What is it and why is it being requested?

Posted October 30, 2020

By: Kirsten Alcock, Manager of Product Safety, email

More and more these days we have companies coming to us asking for help with a TDG inspector who is requesting a document called the Proof of Classification. This is something that needs to be created for products that are shipped as dangerous goods within Canada but most companies do not have this document prepared and ready should there be an inspection.

The shipping classification of a product is very important as it impacts not only how someone handles the product but also how it is shipped. Do you know how to classify your product? Do you know the tests required to properly classify it? Knowing what you are shipping is critical. When a product is shipped from one destination to another, it is imperative that the product is properly classified in accordance with the current transportation regulations. Transport regulations do change so ensure that you are up to date with the changes when they happen. In Canada, we follow the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG).

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) is available online.

Note that the links have changed recently so be sure to include this in your bookmarks.

As I stated above, one of the requirements under the TDG is for Proof of Classification. The inspector is requesting this as it is required in the TDG under Part 2.2.1. Many companies are not aware of this requirement so are caught off guard when an inspector is requesting this document. This document must be made available to the Federal Minister of Transport if requested.

What is a Proof of Classification you might ask?

Basically, a Proof of Classification can be the following:

a test report;
a lab report; or
a document that explains how the dangerous goods were classified.

The Proof of Classification must include the following:

the date on which the dangerous goods were classified;
if applicable, the technical name of the dangerous goods;
the classification of the dangerous goods; and
if applicable, the classification method used under this Part or under Chapter 2 of the UN Recommendations.

The Dell Tech Product Safety Team has been trained, tested, and received certification in accordance with the TDG regulations as well as other modes such as Air and Water. We can help you not only test your product, but we can help classify it and prepare the Proof of Classification for your company so you will have it ahead of time should your company have an inquiry from Transport Canada. If your company ships dangerous goods, you should have these documents readily available for each product.

HOW DELL TECH CAN HELP:

Provide guidance on the proper shipping description of your product in accordance with the TDG
Advise on the appropriate TDG Class, UN number, and Packing Group assignment
Perform Hazard Classification Testing for Class 8 materials: CORROSITEX, as well as Metals Corrosion, is available in-house
Perform Hazard Classification Testing for Class 3 materials: Flash Point testing and sustained combustibility is available in-house
Perform Hazard Classification Testing for Class 2 materials: Ignition Distance, Enclosed space, Aerosol Foam flammability
Prepare the mandated TDG Proof of Classification documentation once testing has been completed

Contact:
Dell Tech
Kirsten Alcock, B.Sc. (Hons)
Manager, Product Safety Group
519-858-5074
kirsten@delltech.com