In Canada, the design and operation of pressure vessels, fittings, and piping systems are governed by rigorous safety standards. One of the most critical compliance steps is obtaining a Canadian Registration Number (CRN).
Because CRN requirements are managed independently by each province and territory, understanding the differences among authorities such as ABSA (Alberta Boilers Safety Association), TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority), and BCSA (British Columbia Safety Authority) is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and equipment suppliers.
This guide from MECS Engineering explains how CRN registration works across Canada—and how professional engineering support simplifies the process.
What Is a Canadian Registration Number (CRN)?
A Canadian Registration Number (CRN) is a unique number issued by a provincial or territorial pressure equipment safety authority to confirm that a pressure vessel, fitting, or piping design complies with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B51 standard and applicable ASME Codes (such as Section VIII for pressure vessels or B31.3/31.1/31.5 for piping).
The CRN certifies that the design meets all safety, design, and material requirements, allowing it to be legally fabricated, installed, and operated in Canada.
Because Canada’s safety system is jurisdiction-based, each province and territory has its own registration process and designated authority.
CRN Requirements by Province
While all jurisdictions follow the same fundamental CSA and ASME code principles, the documentation, process flow, and review practices vary by region.
- ABSA – Alberta Boilers Safety Association
ABSA regulates pressure equipment design and registration in Alberta.
- Requires detailed design calculations, drawings, and material specifications.
- Often requests proof of compliance through ASME design formulas, code calculations, or finite element analysis (FEA).
- Review and approval are mandatory before fabrication or importation into Alberta.
- TSSA – Technical Standards and Safety Authority (Ontario)
TSSA oversees CRN registration in Ontario.
- Designs must be prepared or reviewed by a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensed in Ontario.
- Requires a quality control program aligned with CSA B51.
- Reciprocal acceptance of CRNs from other provinces may apply, but only after TSSA review and confirmation.
- BCSA – British Columbia Safety Authority (now Technical Safety BC)
BCSA manages pressure equipment design registrations in British Columbia.
- Uses the same CSA B51 and ASME codes as other provinces.
- Participates in reciprocal agreements with Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan for faster recognition of existing CRNs.
- May still require administrative validation before local use.
- ACI Central / Atlantic Provinces
For provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, design registration is handled through ACI Central, which coordinates submissions for the Atlantic region.
- Accepts designs registered in other provinces but may request supporting documentation or proof of identical construction.
Reciprocity Between Provinces
Although reciprocal agreements exist under CSA B51 Annex F, each authority reserves the right to review and accept CRNs independently. This means a design approved in Alberta, for example, must still be submitted to Ontario or British Columbia for recognition before it can be used there.
Manufacturers targeting multiple provinces should plan their CRN strategy early to minimize duplicate effort and timeline delays.
Why Professional Engineering Support Matters
CRN applications can be technically demanding, involving stress analysis, code compliance verification, documentation checks, and regulator communication. Errors or incomplete submissions can lead to costly delays.
Professional engineering firms such as MECS Engineering provide end-to-end support—ensuring that every drawing, calculation, and report aligns with CSA and ASME requirements before submission.
MECS Engineering’s licensed engineers specialize in:
- Pressure vessel and piping design review under ASME Section VIII and B31 codes
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for proof testing and code justification
- Material selection and compliance verification
- Preparation of CRN documentation packages for ABSA, TSSA, BCSA, ACI Central and any other provinces.
With this expertise, clients can avoid rejections, streamline regulator communication, and achieve faster approvals across multiple jurisdictions.
Simplify Your CRN Registration with MECS Engineering
Whether your project involves a single pressure vessel or a complete multi-province rollout, MECS Engineering can manage the entire CRN approval process—from design verification to regulator coordination.
Our engineers are licensed across Canada and some states of the United States, providing seamless support for both CRN and ASME-code compliance.
Contact MECS Engineering to ensure your design meets every requirement—efficiently, accurately, and confidently
