What does 49 CFR 171.12 (North American Shipments) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 171.12 requires that hazardous materials shipments from Canada to the US, from the US to Canada, or transiting the US to Canada or a foreign destination may be offered for transportation or transported by motor carrier and rail in accordance with the Transport Canada TDG Regulations.

The rule says

"A hazardous material transported from Canada to the United States, from the United States to Canada, or transiting the United States to Canada or a foreign destination may be offered for transportation or transported by motor carrier and rail in accordance with the Transport Canada TDG Regulations (IBR, see 171.7)" (49 CFR 171.12(a)(1))

"When transporting Class 1 (explosive) material, rail and motor carriers must comply with 49 CFR 1572.9 and 1572.11 to the extent the requirements apply." (49 CFR 171.12(a)(5))

In plain English

This regulation allows for the use of the Transport Canada TDG Regulations for hazardous materials shipments between the US and Canada, which simplifies the process for companies operating in both countries. In practice, this means that carriers must ensure they are complying with both US and Canadian regulations when transporting hazardous materials across the border.

What to do

• Ensure that all hazardous materials shipments between the US and Canada comply with the Transport Canada TDG Regulations.
• Verify that specific requirements, such as those for Class 1 (explosive) materials, are met.
• Review and understand the applicable regulations and guidelines for hazardous materials transportation in both the US and Canada.
• Train personnel on the requirements for transporting hazardous materials across the US-Canada border.