Cartridges, Classification and Authorization, General and Detailed Requirements for Type C Explosives

Explosives Regulatory Division
December 2010

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

This requirements document is published in accordance with Part 3 of the Explosives Regulations published under the Explosives Act (R.S., c. E-15, s. 1). It is written in conjunction with the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) document titled Authorization and Classification of Explosives and specifies the documentation and testing needed for the authorization1 of cartridges.

Small arms and power device cartridges, as well as primers and empty primed cartridge cases, are classified under Part 3 of the Regulations as Type C explosives, for which three (3) sub-types of explosives apply:
  • Type C.1 - small arms cartridges (designed to be fired in weapons not greater than 50 calibre), including shotgun shell cartridges of any gauge;
  • Type C.2 - power device cartridges (designed to accomplish mechanical actions);
  • Type C.3 - cartridge accessories (e.g., primers, empty primed cartridge cases).

1Authorization is the process by which an explosive substance or explosive article, as defined in the Explosives Act and Regulations, is declared authorized by the Chief Inspector, at which time it becomes legal to manufacture, sell, possess or use that explosive or explosive article in Canada or import it into Canada; only after approval is the item added to the list of authorized explosives. As part of this process, the explosive substances or explosive articles are classified in accordance with the Explosives Regulations. Only an explosive substance or explosive article under the care and control of the Department of National Defence is exempt from authorization.

1.1 Scope

This standard applies to cartridges intended to be used for sporting activities and to power device cartridges intended for industrial use, as well as to accessories used for their manufacture. It specifies the requirements for obtaining a Canadian product authorization and classification. In addition, it specifies what must be declared by the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s representative.

It does not apply to Department of National Defence and law enforcement explosives.

Cartridges with an intended use that is unique or specialized, e.g., for the oil well perforating industry, may be subject to additional testing tailored to its use.

Unless the change is approved by ERD or otherwise indicated in the approval, changes to any authorized products void the authorization or approval.

This standard will be applied to the authorization of all new Type C explosives and to any currently authorized products that have been significantly modified or changed.

Cartridges that are currently authorized will not be required:

  • to re-submit documentation; or
  • to perform additional testing.

ERD requires documentation to ascertain that the manufacturer has applied sound principles in design and exercised due diligence in evaluating the safety-related properties of the explosive.

Since the documentation reveals the details of design, which constitutes the intellectual property of the manufacturer, the submission will be kept confidential in accordance with the Explosives Act and Regulations.

1.2 Approvals - Authorization of the Explosives

Authorization of the explosives may be granted after review of required documentation, including any applicable test results. The document Authorization and Classification of Explosives describes this process, including documentation, language and format.  The explosives are classified in accordance with the document Authorization and Classification of Explosives and the detailed stages of this process are outlined in the same document, i.e., submission, review, test plan development, reporting, approval, etc.

1.3 Regulation of Use

ERD does not regulate the use of cartridges. The use of small arms cartridges is controlled by law enforcement agencies under the Criminal Code. However, as part of the approval and testing process by the Explosives Safety and Security Branch, ERD does request information to ensure that the item can be safely used as recommended by the manufacturer, e.g., company product information and technical data.  

1.4 Required Documentation

This standard, in conjunction with Authorization and Classification of Explosives, outlines the requirements to be met by a manufacturer who applies for approval of an explosive and, where applicable, its use only with manufacturer-specified system components.

The documentation submitted for authorization must:

  • be as specified and structured as set out in Authorization and Classification of Explosives and include the mandatory supporting documentation as identified in the following sections; and
  • be submitted by the manufacturer who applies for approval or by its delegate.

1.5 Continuing Authorization

ERD periodically requests samples or undertakes audits to validate the continuing authorization of the articles on the list of authorized explosives. Samples are requested approximately every five (5) years or continuing authorization audits are conducted to ensure that a quality system has been developed and implemented by Canadian manufacturers and by foreign explosives manufacturers that have products published on the list of authorized explosives. Audits are conducted to measure the effectiveness of the quality control system and identify any weaknesses, risks and areas for improvement. Finally, audits help to determine if the manufacturers are meeting the requirements of the Canadian standards similarly to the testing of samples and whether the quality activities and results comply with their product specifications at the time of authorization.

2. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION

The requirements that indicate what must be present in the submission and how it will be assessed are described in the document Authorization and Classification of Explosives. The submission is a legal declaration to the Government of Canada intended to obtain authorization. It is the first indication of the care a company exercises in achieving a product of acceptable quality.

Every submission must be accompanied by the “Request for the Authorization and Classification of Cartridges” form, properly completed. The review process does not start until all information has been submitted.

2.1 List of Articles

A list of all the articles in the submission by name, with an identifying part number when applicable, is required. For small arms cartridges, different bullets are considered to be separate articles and need to be listed as such on the submission.

2.2 Transport Classification

A letter of competent authority classifying the cartridges is to be submitted when available, accompanied by supporting information. If a letter of competent authority is not available, the applicant may indicate the expected classification.

2.3 Outsourcing

With the exemption of small arms cartridges, if some components of the cartridge are purchased from another source, this must be indicated on the drawing and a reference to that source must be given. ERD will decide whether a separate testing scheme for the outsourced material will be required.

2.4 Quality Management System

The requesting company should describe and provide evidence of the quality management system being applied. For small arms cartridges, provide declaration of compliance with a standard such Sporting Arm and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute (SAAMI) or Permanent International Commission for Firearms Testing (CIP) that their cartridges are subjected to.

3. SUBMISSION REVIEW AND SAMPLING

This section describes the requirements for the acceptance of a submission and the methodology that will be followed for the selection of samples.

3.1 Products Not Authorized in Canada

Certain cartridges and accessories will not be authorized. For example, if a cartridge (or ammunition) is included in the Criminal Code regulations under SOR/98-462 “Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted,” the request will be addressed accordingly.

The following types of cartridges and accessories will not be authorized for commercial purposes:
  • cartridges and projectiles that are prohibited under the Criminal Code (R.S., c. C-34, s.1.); this includes any cartridge that is capable of being discharged from a commonly available semi-automatic handgun or revolver and that is manufactured or assembled with a projectile that is designed, manufactured, or altered so as to be capable of penetrating body armour; for example:
    • a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or
    • a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.
  • ammunition that includes a tracer, an incendiary composition, a high explosive or other similar military-type ammunition;
  • cartridges that contain tear gas, mace or other gas, or any liquid, spray, powder or other substance that is capable of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person, when it is to be used for the purpose of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person by the discharge of the gas or liquid (note that if the proven intended use is against animals, the cartridge may be considered for authorization and will be subject to a product registration from Health Canada);
  • cartridges judged excessively violent by the Chief Inspector of Explosives;
  • cartridges that have a history of injuries due to poor design or manufacture.

3.2 Tolerances

As indicated on the application form, tolerances are to be provided and must conform to those listed in this section. 

3.2.1 Chemical (not required for small arms cartridges)

Tolerances for chemicals may be set by the company. All declared ingredients must be present. Ingredients not declared must not be present at more than 0.5% (mass/mass of composition analyzed).

3.2.2 Physical

Tolerances on physical characteristics may be set by the company. They must be such so as to not interfere with proper function, and for cartridges, small arms must be in compliance with SAAMI or CIP standards.

3.2.3 Charge Weights (not required for small arms cartridges)

If maximum charge weights are specified in this document, they represent the maximum of the tolerance range. Otherwise, the following applies to charge weights:

  • for the propellant: ±20%

3.3 Marking and Labeling

The labeling and markings on packages must conform to both the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations and the Explosives Regulations.

In addition to the requirements described in Authorization and Classification of Explosives, the following is expected for ammunition:

  • precautions or instructions for the safe handling and use of the ammunition – the instructions must be in both English and French, clear, legible, and with equal prominence given to the two languages;
  • cartridges of Type C.1 - cartridges, small arms must be stamped with the manufacturer’s symbol or name and with the calibre or gauge;
  • if applicable, the outer package in which reloaded cartridges, small arms are to be sold, displayed or distributed must be marked with the words “RELOADED CARTRIDGES” or “SURPLUS AMMUNITION”

3.4 Packaging

Cartridges, small arms that are bulleted shall be packed in such a manner that the point of any bullet cannot come into contact with the cap of another cartridge. Therefore, when an authorization of cartridges, small arms packaged in bulk is requested, the proposed packaging method may be subject to additional testing to ensure that an ignition of one cartridge does not communicate to another cartridge.  Based on prior test results, 22 caliber rim-fire cartridges are exempted from this testing requirement when packaged in bulk in strong outside packaging.

3.5 Sampling of the Submission

Not all articles need to be tested. Submissions are sampled and the acceptance of the submission depends on the behaviour of the sample. New articles similar to existing articles from established and known companies are typically authorized by analogy to existing products. 

The choice to sample rests with the inspector and depends on previous experience, the quality management system being applied, the history of complaints, the availability of articles from the same company to use as analogies, or the time elapsed since articles from the company were last tested.

The description of sampling below represents minimum sampling. Inspectors may decide on more samples where they believe this would better evaluate a submission.

3.5.1 One or Two Cartridges

It is possible to submit individual types of articles for authorization one at a time. Each such article will be evaluated on its merits.

3.5.2 More Than Two Cartridges or Types of Cartridges

When more than two cartridges are submitted, the submission may be divided into types of cartridges based on construction and effect. Each such type may be represented by a sample. Each set of five (5) variations is represented by a separate sample:

  • For example, if a type of cartridge corresponds to a .202 calibre that has 14 different variations (14/5 = 2.8 = 3), only 3 members of the family, each with 50 units, could be chosen to represent that family.

3.5.3 Special Sampling - Chemical Stability

Stability is a chief consideration for authorization. Although all samples are tested for stability in agreement with UN test 4 (a), it is recognized that not all articles submitted for authorization can be sampled. Propellants normally include a stabilizer to prevent the formation of decomposition products such as NOx (nitrous oxide gases). In addition, poor storage conditions may accelerate the deterioration of the stabilizer. It may not necessarily be required to prove stability for all ammunition, but samples may be selected to demonstrate the effectiveness of the stabilizer of the propellant by conducting an Abel heat test or MVP (methyl violet paper) assessment as appropriate.

4. TESTING AND AUTHORIZATION

The document Authorization and Classification of Explosives describes the general authorization process. This includes the selection of samples by ERD, the preparation of a test plan by the Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory (CANMET-CERL), and the issuance of a Chief Inspector of Explosives (CIE) report by CANMET-CERL to ERD that includes recommendations for the authorization and classification of the products. This section describes in greater detail the basis on which cartridges will be given a classification and authorization.

Please note that specific construction and performance requirements are described in Appendix A. The section on general requirements identifies some characteristics with the letter “C,” meaning critical. More stringent acceptance criteria are used for “C” characteristics.

4.1 Packaging for Samples

When samples are sent to CANMET-CERL for product testing, they are to be shipped in their intended packaging with the appropriate labeling and instructions. Improper packaging will result in rejection of the submission. Packaging must comply with the specification set out in the National Standard of Canada CAN/CGSB 43.151-97, Packaging of Explosives (Class 1) for Transportation.

4.2 Chemical Analysis

Chemicals must meet the declaration within the tolerances set by the company.

Note that if a cartridge was assembled more than 10 years before being submitted for authorization, an additional test may be conducted to verify and confirm the presence of a stabilizer in the propellant.

4.3 Acceptance Criteria

4.3.1 For Each Small Arms Cartridge

Ten (10) rounds are functioned for each type of cartridge tested at CANMET-CERL. Average peak pressure on 10 rounds must be less than the SAAMI Maximum Probable Sample Mean (MPSM).

Three (3) units minimum are dismantled and measured and, in cases where the propellant has not previously been authorized, they are subject to thermal stability tests. The results of these tests must be consistent with the manufacturer’s declaration while meeting the requirements listed in the SAAMI / CIP standard.

Overall, 10/10 must meet the critical requirements (marked “C”) and at least 8/10 must meet all the non-critical requirements. Failure to meet these requirements constitutes rejection of the ammunition. For a submission with multiple ammunition of a specific type, all articles that were selected for testing must pass testing with success.

4.3.2 Authorization of Cartridges and Submission

For a submission where an applicant has elected to have one or more articles authorized on an individual basis, the authorization of each article will be as described above in section 4.3.1.

For a submission that includes one or more types of cartridges, the authorization of types of cartridges will be based on the following:

  • each type of cartridge will be treated individually, i.e., if one or additional types from a submission successfully pass testing at CANMET-CERL, and an additional type from the same submission fails testing, only the failed type will not be authorized; and
  • for a type of cartridge to be authorized, all articles that were selected for testing from that type must successfully pass testing as per the requirements of section 4.3.1 above.

4.4 Transport Classification

In accordance with the 16th revised edition of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods - Model Regulations, cartridges are classified as shown in Table 1.

Table 1 - UN Classification
Shipping Name UN Number Classification
  • Cartridges, small arms
  • 0012
  • 1.4S
  • Cartridges, small arms blank
  • 0014
  • 1.4S
  • Cases, cartridge, empty, with primer
  • Cases, cartridge, empty, with primer
  • 0379
  • 0055
  • 1.4C
  • 1.4S
  • Cartridges, power devices
  • Cartridges, power devices
  • Cartridges, power devices
  • Cartridges, power devices
  • 0323
  • 0276
  • 0275
  • 0381
  • 1.4S
  • 1.4C
  • 1.3C
  • 1.2C
  • Primers, cap type
  • 0377
  • 1.1B
  • Primers, cap type
  • Primers, cap type
  • 0378
  • 0044
  • 1.4B
  • 1.4S

  APPENDIX A
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

General Requirements for Cartridges
CHARACTERISTICS REQUIREMENTS
1. Shipping Package  
1.1 Labeling (C)1

Proper UN shipping name (either English or French).

Brand or trade name of the cartridge (as it appears on the list of authorized explosives).
UN number.

Dangerous goods label (orange label).

Name and address of product of the holder of authorization company.

UN Certification Safety Mark for packaging.

When applicable, date and shift of manufacture, or equivalent date codes. Note that the shift may be excluded if plant is operated on one shift.

For reloaded cartridges, the outer package in which they are to be sold, displayed or distributed shall be conspicuously marked with the name and address of the person or firm who reloaded them and                with the words “RELOADED CARTRIDGES.”

For surplus small arms cartridges, the outer package in which they are to be sold, displayed or distributed shall be conspicuously marked with with the words “SURPLUS”

Must meet Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, its Regulations, and/or its referred standards.

1.2 Condition of Packaging

Loose composition (C).

 Not allowed.

1(C): Critical requirement.

General Requirements for Cartridges
CHARACTERISTICS REQUIREMENTS
2. Labeling of Cartridges and Consumer Packaging  
2.1 Labeling of Consumer Packaging

Brand or trade name as per the list of authorized explosives.

Identity of the product in terms of its common or generic name or in terms of its function, for example, “ammunition” (as per the CPLA).
Name and address of the holder of authorization.
Instructions in English and French for the safe handling, storage, use and disposal of the cartridge.

When applicable, a warning for indoor shooting range use.

Shot gauge, shot number and material for the load, and shell length for shotshell or type of projectile as applicable must be shown.

For reloaded cartridges, the outer package in which they are to be sold, displayed or distributed shall be conspicuously marked with the name and address of the person or firm who reloaded them and with the words “RELOADED CARTRIDGES.”

Date and shift of manufacture, or equivalent date codes. Note that the shift may be excluded if plant is operated on one shift.

For surplus small arms cartridges, the outer package in which they are to be sold, displayed or distributed shall be conspicuously marked with with the words “SURPLUS”

Must meet the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (CPLA).
Must be present.

Must include “Danger or Warning - Ammunition. Keep Out of Reach of Children.” calibre, bullet type and mass.

Must address the potential exposure to lead or other substances and the need for adequate ventilation and hygiene.

2.2 Labeling and Markings on Cartridges

Stamping on cartridge case must include manufacturer’s symbol or name, and the calibre (rifle or pistol) or gauge (shotgun).

  
3. Physical Requirements  
3.1 Construction of Ammunition

Dimensions must meet SAAMI / CIP.

Must chamber properly.

Open and closed length will be checked and must meet SAAMI / CIP.

Primers must not protrude and shall not be recessed more than 0.2 mm.

Bullet/shot/projectile must be as declared.

Wad or other fillings must be as declared.		  

3.2 Mass

The propellant mass must be as declared (not required for small arms cartridges).

Bullet/shot/projectile must be as declared.

Tolerance ±20% unless declared otherwise.

Tolerance ±5% unless declared otherwise.
4. Performance  
4.1 Function

Average peak pressure on 10 rounds must be less than SAAMI MPSM(C).

Not allowed to exceed the pressure.

5 Thermal Stability

Must withstand as per UN test exposure to75°C for 48 hours to determine if the ammunition and propellant are thermally stable for transport. (C)

Propellants will be subjected to the Abel heat test for a period of time greater than 10 minutes in a bath at 71°C, or to an MVP assessment as appropriate.

Must not ignite, explode, exude or decompose.

Must remain functional.