CRN Number Canada: Why It’s Essential for Compliance and Safety

If you are running a business in Canada that deals with the designing, manufacturing, or importing of pressure equipment, then there is one requirement that you must fulfill: getting a Canadian Registration Number (CRN). It is a mandatory compliance that you must complete to operate in the country, and it is legally mandated, with some exemptions..

Operating without a CRN can lead to serious consequences, including regulatory penalties, project delays, and even project shutdowns. Here is everything you need to know about the CRN number and its importance. 

What is the CRN Number? 

A CRN (Canadian Registration Number) is a unique identifier issued to pressure equipment designs that have been reviewed and accepted by a provincial or territorial regulator. The Canadian Registration Numbers consist of an alphanumeric string that is specific to whether the CRN number is for a pressure vessel, boiler, piping system, or fitting, and that designates the province or territory of approval. 

Once the design is approved, the equipment meets all the legal, safety, and technical standards set under Canadian law and is ready to be operated in the country.

Each province has its own set of laws and regulations that must be met to get the CRN number. The number itself tells you which province the equipment has been approved for.

Why is CRN So Important? 

You can’t use or operate pressure equipment in Canada without a proper CRN number. Here are a few reasons why:

• Legal Compliance:

Operating pressure equipment without a CRN number is not allowed in Canada, with few exemptions. Every province and territory in Canada mandates that such equipment must be registered and approved by an authorized safety authority (regulators) before it can be used. 

• Safety Assurance 

The CRN number ensures that the equipment that is to be operated follows certain safety standards, such as the CSA B51 code and the ASME Boiler,  Pressure Vessel, and piping Codes and listed standards. Having such an assurance gives peace of mind, minimizes the risk of equipment failure, and ensures the safety of property and personnel operating the equipment. 

• Market Access 

Businesses that fabricate, sell, or trade in pressure equipment that operate outside of Canada or are planning to move to Canada  can’t legally do so without a CRN number for their equipiment.. Without a CRN, products cannot be legally sold or used in Canadian jurisdictions, with few exceptions, limiting business opportunities.

Is It Difficult to Get a CRN Number? 

Yes, getting a CRN number can be tricky, especially for those new to the country and unfamiliar with the multitude of rules and regulations in different provinces and territories. Each province has its own pressure equipment safety authority. Here are the different authorities that approve a CRN number:

• Technical Safety BC (British Columbia)
• Technical Safety Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan)
• Technical Standards and Safety Authority (Ontario)
• Manitoba Office of the Fire Commission (Manitoba)
• Régie du bâtiment (Québec)
• Alberta Boiler Safety Association (Alberta)
• ACI Central (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, Yukon and North West Territories)

You may need to prepare technical drawings, engineering calculations, witnesssed and unwitnessed material test reports, and design compliance documents per each authority’s particular requirements. Any missing or incorrect information can result in delays or even rejections and loss of business..

How Can Titan Research Help? 

The Titan Research Group has helped thousands of companies get a valid CRN number and register across different provinces and territories. Our services include:

• Identifying which components systems, or parts of systems require CRNs
• Preparing complete and compliant submissions, the first time.
• Communicating with regulators about their queries and questions.
• Managing all sorts of types of CRN applications including revisions, resubmissions, addenda, repair and alterations, used equipment import and new submissions and  as needed.

TRGalso offers an approval management tool through our sister company Approvalwise.com, complimentary exemption screening services, all of which helps avoid unnecessary in-house registration efforts and allows your company to focus on its core business proposition.

Get Started With Your CRN Application Today

If you operate non-exempt pressure equipment in Canada, then having a CRN number is mandatory and a legal requirement. Without a CRNB, your project might get delayed; you may be subjected to fines, which can result in commercial losses and reputational damage. . 

Contact Titan Research Group today to get started on your CRN application and get fast, competent, and expert results