Regulatory Sandbox On Electronic Shipping Documents For Dangerous Goods Project

Feb 13, 2020 - 5 years ago

Transport Canada is launching a regulatory sandbox on electronic shipping documents. This project will allow them to test the use of electronic shipping documents for dangerous goods shipments in a safe way. As the transportation sector evolves, Transport Canada is looking at ways regulations can be updated to help keep Canada competitive and encourage innovation, while keeping Canadians safe.

Transport Canada will use the sandbox to evaluate whether electronic shipping documents can help reach the same or a better level of safety as paper documents, and if so, under what conditions.

The project will look at using electronic shipping documents across four modes of transportation: air, marine, rail, and road. They will also look at both rural and urban environments, including areas with limited or no internet or cell coverage.

The success of this project depends on stakeholders participating and contributing. Transport Canada is looking for shippers, carriers, first responders, enforcement personnel, and other government agencies to participate in this project.

How to participate

You can participate by:

Applying for an equivalency certificate.

Submitting feedback or completing questionnaires

Applying for equivalency certificate

You can apply for an equivalency certificate if you are a Canadian consignor or carrier that transports dangerous goods in Canada, and you can:

Communicate shipping document information to first responders, inspectors, and CANUTEC within five minutes

Provide a point of contact who can provide shipping document information when the dangerous goods are being transported

For road vehicles, display a sign advising that electronic shipping documents are being used. These signs will be provided by Transport Canada and must be displayed on a driver's door and at least two sides of the means of containment.

Send Transport Canada a report every six months that describes any incidents.

Give Transport Canada information related to your use of electronic shipping documents. This could include the impacts or benefits on operational activities, training, equipment, and administrative activities.

Send Transport Canada your feedback throughout the two-year study.

participate in emergency response simulations during the study (not everyone will be asked to participate)

To apply, you will need to register an account in with an approvals application website and contact Transport Canada for an application form. If you have already applied for an equivalency certificate, you won't need to re-register.

If your application is approved, you will be issued an equivalency certificate that gives you permission to use electronic shipping documents from spring 2020 until spring 2022. Simulations and engagement activities will also take place during this time.

Participating in this project is voluntary, so you will not be compensated for participating.

SOURCE: Transport Canada