Product classification is a process whereby products and related technologies are evaluated against relevant standards and specifications. In Ontario, The Road Authority (TRA) is responsible for the process of Classification. TRA then publishes the resulting classification(s) against the product or technology.
To support procurement activities of governments in the Province, TRA was tasked with the review of products, comparing them to recognized standards and evaluating their applicability for Ontario jurisdictions.
The "Accepted for Use" designation (symbolized by "
"
icon beside the product name indicates that a product has been reviewed by TRA and meets established criteria
to be recommended as acceptable for use in Ontario.
The , as it is commonly
referred to, is a pre-qualifier to doing business in the Province of Ontario.
PLEASE NOTE: An
designation does not guarantee that a product will be specified by Ontario Municipal governments.
Local governments in Ontario also refer to the
as a contributing factor in their decision-making processes.
While the
designation from TRA does not require a municipality to place a product on their list, it does strengthen the case for the product,
and in some cases, such as the Region of Durham, local governments have made the
one of the pre-requisites to being placed
on their approved products lists.
Other municipalities, especially smaller ones that do not have the resources to manage their own pre-qualified products lists
and to review products, rely purely on the lists published by the MTO, other municipalities and The Road Authority. Getting
the designation will
enhance the marketability of your product.
TRA employs a classification matrix in our product evaluations. Whatever classification is assigned to the product is reflected on The Road Authority website. The classification system is based on a progressive matrix; at the lowest level, manufacturers can post a product without verified qualification; and at the highest level, posted products are tested by an accredited laboratory, and then successfully applied by a reputable organization. Some products, however, may not require verification. TRA also considers "grandfathering" of proven or existing products for inclusion in the matrix. Technical support documentation is maintained on file with The Road Authority providing a reference for review. Companies are encouraged to assemble their findings and submit them to The Road Authority for review and analysis. For reference please download a copy of the Product Classification Matrix.