Canadian Registration Number (CRN) Services

CRN for Pressure Equipment

Canadian regulations require a valid Canadian Registration Number (CRN number) for most pressure equipment, pressure fittings, pressure piping systems, pressure vessels & boilers operating over 15 psi (1 bar).

Unless an exemption or variation applies, the scope of CRN registration submission documentation required is inclusive (additional documents may be required) of relevant documents such as technical drawings, code calculations for manufactured pressure equipment, application forms, test results, finite element analysis, and a list of products intended for registration in the respective Canadian jurisdictions.

The application process differs from province to province and is non-trivial due to the differences in relevant documents between provinces.

Pressure Equipment Registration

The Canadian Registration Number application & renewal process can be complex.

A well-informed & strategically planned CRN application of any pressure equipment design can lead to rapid approval from any of the 13 provinces or territories individually.

TRG strives to ensure that your application strategy best suits your company’s objectives, whether that means quick approval, low cost, strategic roll-out, easy renewal, fast system start-up for quick payback periods, or all of the above. You’ve come this far with your design, and TRG will help you take it across the finish line.

CRN services TRG provides:

Code Calculations for any pressure boundary (fittings, vessels, boilers, piping systems, etc.)
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
NB AI Witnessed proof testing in a certified laboratory
Turn-key CRN project management from factory builds to skid systems to fitting product lines
CRN Application documentation completion for any jurisdiction
Follow-up support with safety authority questions
Mitigate the diverse jurisdictional requirements. See our CRN map.

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Step-by-Step CRN Registration Process

Step 1: Initial Design Evaluation & QA Review

Before submitting any application, your design is reviewed to confirm it meets Canadian pressure equipment regulations. Your QA system is also assessed to make sure it is recognised by provincial or territorial authorities.

Step 2: Preparation of Technical Documentation

All required documents are compiled, including technical drawings, code calculations, finite element analysis (FEA), test results, and application forms specific to the jurisdiction where approval is sought.

Step 3: Testing & Analysis

Depending on your equipment, proof testing, burst testing, or other analyses may be required to verify design safety and compliance with CSA and ASME standards.

Step 4: Submission to Authorities

Your application is submitted to the appropriate provincial or territorial regulator. Each jurisdiction has slightly different submission requirements, which is why guidance from experienced professionals is essential.

Step 5: Follow-Up & Clarification

Authorities often request additional information or clarifications. A proactive approach makes sure questions are addressed quickly, keeping the approval timeline on track.

Step 6: Final Approval & CRN Issuance

Once all criteria are met, the CRN is issued, legally authorising your equipment to be manufactured, sold, or operated in the approved province(s).

CRN Reconciliation

A newer development is the Reconciliation Agreement (https://www.hrai.ca/uploads/userfiles/files/SSEB_PRE_CRN-webinar_FINAL.pdf), which is for Canadian Registration Numbers (CRN) and makes it easier to obtain a CRN without a technical review once approved in one of the participating provinces (Note: Alberta and ACI Central are not currently participating).

CRN Harmonization

The aforementioned reconciliation agreement has made it easier to obtain a CRN across at least 5 provincial boundaries: Technical Safety BC (British Columbia), Technical Safety Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan), Technical Standards and Safety Authority (Ontario), Manitoba Office of the Fire Commission (Manitoba), & the Régie du bâtiment (Québec).

However, note that each regulatory authority still requires that an applicant for CRN acquire a registration acknowledgment from their jurisdiction and pay a fee. You can verify the Canadian Province by the digit after the decimal number in the CRN number. For eg: 0F3650.9C shows that the design was first registered in Prince Edward Island (e.g., 9), and then all across Canada (e.g., C) ACI Central is the designated regulatory authority for seven provinces and territories that include: Newfoundland, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Yukon. The jurisdiction of ACI vastly simplifies the process of registration for these 7 provinces and territories. However, the backlog can be an issue, and scaling to a larger demand due to electronic submissions has been challenging for most safety authorities.

The process of obtaining a CRN still requires a significant amount of time and costs, and without proper knowledge of registration processes, successful registration is close to impossible, which is where we come in. Titan Research Group helps you minimize your registration costs. Other services we offer are Pressure Vessel Engineering, manufacturing of pressure vessels and manufacturing of pressure equipment, training (see unifiedinspection.com), quality control program setup, and quality control program set up guidance.

A simplified version of the above is translated into Mandarin text in:

- English brochure
- Chinese 中文 brochure

Benefits of CRN Certification

Legal Compliance Across Jurisdictions

A valid CRN confirms that your pressure vessels, piping systems, boilers, and fittings adhere to the safety codes mandated by provincial and territorial authorities. Without it, the equipment cannot be legally installed, operated, or sold within Canada.

Operational Safety and Risk Mitigation

CRN registration helps prevent catastrophic failures, such as vessel rupture, piping leaks, or pressure system malfunctions. Ensuring equipment compliance reduces the risk of injury to personnel, environmental hazards, and costly operational disruptions.

Market Access and Commercial Credibility

For manufacturers and suppliers, having CRN-approved equipment facilitates smooth entry into Canadian markets. CRN certification demonstrates adherence to national safety regulations, which improves trust with clients, contractors, and regulators.

Efficient Multi-Province Approvals

For companies operating across multiple jurisdictions, CRN harmonization and reconciliation agreements simplify the registration process. This reduces redundant testing and documentation, saving time and minimizing costs associated with cross-provincial approvals.

Documentation and Audit Readiness

Maintaining CRN documentation ensures that your equipment and processes are fully traceable and audit-ready, supporting inspections, quality control measures, and ongoing compliance management.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many manufacturers encounter challenges when applying for a CRN, but these can be avoided with careful planning:

Incomplete Documentation

Missing drawings, calculations, or test reports can delay approvals. Always double-check requirements for each province.

Unapproved QA Systems

Not all safety authorities accept every QA program. Make sure that your system meets recognised standards like ISO 9001 or ASME.

Ignoring Jurisdictional Differences

Each province has its own submission rules. Coordinating a multi-province application without guidance can lead to repeated revisions.

Skipping Required Testing

Proof testing, burst testing, or FEA is often mandatory. Omitting these steps can result in rejection or non-compliance.

DIY Applications Without Experience

Attempting to handle the CRN process alone increases the risk of errors, delays, and higher costs.

Who Makes Pressure Equipment Legal?

CRNs are issued exclusively by an authorized safety authority (regulators) or their designees and are specific to a province & territory. A Canadian Registration Number consists of an alpha-numeric string that is specific to whether the CRN number is for a pressure vessel, boiler, piping system, or fitting and that normally designates the province or territory of approval.

Consult a professional for the interpretation of numbering. Before constructing any piping system design, all fittings relevant to the regulated pressure boundary that is intended for use in the design must also have a CRN issued to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

In Canada, a fitting is defined as a wide array of pressure appurtenances from elbows and tees to the sight glass, level, and pressure measurement devices, strainers, small vessels, and the like.

Can Anybody Obtain a CRN Number?

Obtaining a CRN is not necessarily trivial or inclusive. The manufacturer requires, at minimum, a valid QA system that has been audited by a 3rd party acceptable to the safety authority in the province of application. Not all safety authorities accept all QA systems. ASME & ISO 9001 is the most widely accepted QA system, however, the QA system also must be audited by an acceptable auditor.

In addition, depending upon the code or standard to which a design is made, the application process can involve extensive destructive burst testing, finite element analysis, and/or code calculations to establish pressure design safety, the scope of registration, a design application form indicating design application, to name a few.

The application forms differ, whether it is a fitting design, vessel design, pipe fittings, boiler, or pressure vessels. Furthermore, the Canadian pressure laws and the Canadian pressure regulations differ between provinces and territories. Responsibility for establishing pressure design safety rests with the applicant, and regulators do not (and should not) conduct testing or calculation work.

Before commencing any testing or calculations, it is highly recommended to consult a professional. If you are doing this yourself, please be sure to consult regulatory-specific guidelines, newsletters, director’s orders, minister’s orders, technical bulletins, website notices, the Technical Standards and Safety Act 2000, province and territory-specific Acts and regulations, and the CSA B51 Boiler, ASME and CSA Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code outlining numerous details and exemptions from registration, processes, and procedures for applying and presenting the application data.

Helpful Guides for CRN Registration

✔ ABMA – American Boiler Manufacturers Association

✔ ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers

✔ The National Board of Boiler & Pressure Inspectors

CLIENTS WE’VE HELPED WITH CRN REGISTRATION

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FAQs About Canadian Registration Number (CRN)

What is a CRN number?

A CRN (Canadian Registration Number) is a unique identifier for pressure equipment, including vessels, fittings, and piping systems. It confirms that the design has been reviewed and approved by the relevant provincial or territorial authority. This is the official CRN definition and is also referred to as a CRN ID.

Why is a CRN required in Canada?

A CRN number is required to make sure that pressure equipment meets Canadian safety codes. Without proper CRN registration, equipment cannot legally be installed, sold, or operated in most provinces and territories.

How do CRN numbers look?

A CRN number typically consists of digits and letters, formatted to indicate the province of approval and the type of equipment. For example: 12345.2C.

Who issues CRN numbers?

CRN numbers are issued by provincial or territorial authorities, such as TSSA (Ontario), ABSA (Alberta), or RBQ (Quebec).

How can I get or find my CRN number?

You can obtain a CRN number by submitting your pressure equipment design for review to the provincial or territorial authority where it will be used. Once approved, the CRN will be provided on the registration certificate, which can be referenced for inspections or audits.

What is CRN approval?

CRN approval is the process where authorities review your pressure equipment design documentation to ensure compliance with CSA and ASME standards before issuing a CRN number.

What to do after getting a CRN number?

After receiving your CRN, you can legally manufacture, sell, or operate your pressure equipment in the approved province(s). Keep all documentation for inspections, audits, or future CRN registration renewals.

What is the difference between CRN and CSA?

CRN is the registration number assigned after a pressure equipment design has been reviewed and approved.
CSA (Canadian Standards Association) develops the safety standards, such as CSA B51, that CRN registration ensures compliance with.

How long does it take to get a CRN approved?

The approval timeline varies by province and equipment type. Simple applications can take a few weeks, while complex pressure vessels or piping systems may take several months due to design review, testing, and documentation checks.

Are CRNs required for imported pressure equipment?

Yes. Any pressure equipment imported into Canada must have a valid CRN before it can be installed or operated, even if it has been approved in another country. Compliance guarantees legal operation and that safety standards are met.

Can a single CRN cover multiple provinces?

Through CRN harmonization and reconciliation agreements, a design approved in one participating province can often be recognized in others. However, each jurisdiction still requires acknowledgment and applicable fees.

What types of equipment need CRN registration?

Pressure vessels, boilers, fittings, and piping systems operating above 1 bar (14.5 to 15 psi) require CRN registration. This includes storage tanks, heat exchangers, high-pressure piping, and safety-critical components.

Does a CRN need to be renewed?

Yes. CRNs may need periodic updates if there are changes to the design, materials, or intended jurisdictions. Maintaining an active CRN guarantees ongoing compliance and legal operation.