How accurate is my portable container?

How accurate is my portable container? (the long description is located below the image)
Long description of the infographic

Your portable container may state that it holds a certain quantity (e.g. 20 L), but it can usually contain 1 to 3 L more than the stated capacity if you fill it past the fill line.

If you fill a 20 L portable container with gas and the gas pump indicates that 23 L were delivered, it doesn't mean the gas pump is inaccurate. You may have gone over the fill line, the container may have factory defects or it may have changed due to extreme temperatures, physical force or other conditions.

Unlike a gas pump, portable containers aren't certified as accurate. The amount stated by the manufacturer is the amount the container was designed to contain, but the actual capacity of the container can vary.

  • not certified as accurate
  • certified as accurate

Have concerns?

To try to resolve the matter by:

  • speaking with the retailer
  • looking for the inspection sticker to find out when the gas pump was last inspected

If you still have concerns, you can file a complaint with Measurement Canada.