Fertilizer Canada has released the new Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) Security Code of Practice which will be implemented in 2019. Agri-retailers and distribution sites who transport, store, handle and/or sell CAN must obtain a certificate through a formal audit by December 31, 2019.

The CAN Security Code aims to provide uniform security practices for the handling, transportation, storage and/or sale of CAN in Canada. Developed by fertilizer manufacturers, distributors and agri-retailers with input from government agencies, the CAN Security Code was created as a proactive approach to anticipated new regulatory requirements for CAN resulting from the current review of the Explosives Regulations by Natural Resources Canada.

Fertilizer Canada is working closely with Natural Resources Canada throughout their regulatory process and will work to ensure alignment of the CAN Security Code with any final regulatory decisions.

The Audit Process

Agri-retail and distribution sites are encouraged to book a pre-audit, prior to their formal audit, which will help identify requirement gaps in advance. You can schedule a pre-audit between March and December of this year.
Implementation of the CAN Security Code is scheduled to take place over two years. As of January 1, 2019, agri-retail and distribution sites who transport, store, handle and/or sell CAN will be able to schedule a formal site audit to obtain certification. It is highly recommended to have this formal audit completed by September 30, 2019 to allow sufficient time to obtain certification by the mandatory deadline of December 31, 2019.

To book a pre-audit for your location, please contact:

Anthony Laycock
Project Manager
Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association
877-236-AWSA (2972)
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Amendments to the CAN Security Code

The draft CAN Security Code was made available for public comment in the fall of 2017. A number of revisions were made to the CAN Security Code and its corresponding Implementation Guide as a result of feedback received. The amendments to the 2019 CAN Security Code include changes and clarifications to the following:

• combined audits
• compliance date
• definition of CAN
• inbound and outbound transportation requirements
• storage security requirements
• access by onsite personnel requirements
• communication to customers

Fertilizer Canada is committed to providing a robust and comprehensible CAN Security Code and will continue working with the fertilizer industry to maintain our social license to operate: ensuring that farmers can grow healthy crops with this product for years to come.

For general inquiries about the CAN Security Code, please contact:

Amanda Pach
Manager – Environment & Safety
Fertilizer Canada
613-786-3040
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Click here to view the CAN Security Code of Practice, the Implementation Guide and further details on amendments and clarifications to the guide.


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