The consignor (shipper) is responsible for determining the classification of dangerous goods. This activity is normally done by, or in:
- consultation with, a person who understands the nature of the dangerous goods such as a manufacturer,
- a person who formulates, blends or otherwise prepares mixtures or solutions of goods or, in the case of infectious substances,
- a doctor, scientist, veterinarian, epidemiologist, genetic engineer, microbiologist, pathologist, nurse, coroner or laboratory
- technologist or technician.
- Before allowing a carrier to take possession of dangerous goods for transport, the consignor must determine the classification
of the dangerous goods.
- When importing dangerous goods into Canada, the consignor must ensure that they have the correct classification before they
are transported in Canada.
- If an error in classification is noticed or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect an error in classification, the consignor must
not allow a carrier to take possession of the dangerous goods for transport until the classification has been verified or corrected.
- A carrier who notices an error in classification or has reasonable grounds to suspect an error in classification while the
dangerous goods are in transport must advise the consignor and must stop transporting the dangerous goods until the consignor
verifies or corrects the classification.