Canadian State Variations Updated

As expected, the 66^th edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) brought in several significant changes. Many of these are outlined in our Expected Changes for IATA DGR 2025.

A series of changes that will affect many of our customers is the overhaul of the Canadian State variations.

State, a.k.a. country variations, are found in section 2.8.1 of the IATA DGR. A variation, whether state or operator, is a variation that is more restrictive than the provisions contained in the Regulations. When shipping by air, they apply to all flights originating or arriving in that country.

You will find state (and operator) variations listed throughout the DGR, but they are predominant in the Packing instructions.

Canada, represented by the letters CAG, has a list of 15 variations. The 66^th edition includes many new entries and renumbering of others.

Entries CAG-02 through CAG-06 are new. We know this because of the □ symbol beside the enter. In addition, these entries all apply to radioactive.

One of the most important variations for Canada is CAG-11. The variation itself has not changed, but the number has. CAG-11 was formerly CAG-09.

CAG-11 requires all shippers to add the wording 24-hour number before the emergency response phone number on their declaration forms. In addition, if your shipment qualifies for an ERAP (Emergency Response Assistance Plan) per The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, Part 7, the approval and activation phone numbers must also be added to the declaration. This information can be referenced in Section 8.3 Additional Documentation.

Do you have questions about shipping dangerous goods by air? Our team of experts is just a call away for our customers at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.