When you’re seeking a Canadian Registration Number (CRN) for your equipment design, it’s vital to act with knowledge and preparation. As a provider of professional engineering services, MECS Engineering helps clients understand the entire process—from submission to approval—so you know what to expect, how long it takes, and what the cost implications are.
Typical Timelines for CRN Approval
The approval timeline for a CRN can vary widely based on jurisdiction, complexity, and completeness of the submission. According to industry sources, applications can be issued in as quickly as one week, but in some cases may take up to six months or more depending on the province and backlog.
A more typical timeline when working with MECS Engineering might look like this:
- Internal engineering review and submission prep: approximately 2–3 weeks.
- Initial jurisdiction review: approximately 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity and workload.
- Reciprocal registration in additional provinces: often another 12–16 weeks.
It’s important to recognise that delays can occur if your application lacks required documentation, if there are requests for revisions, or if the jurisdiction has heavy workload.
What Costs Should You Expect?
Costs for obtaining a CRN also vary based on scope (single jurisdiction vs multi-jurisdiction) and design complexity. According to the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), for national service a deposit of CAD $1,200 is required, and total fees could exceed CAD $3,500.
Another source estimates:
- Basic registration in central Canadian jurisdictions: approx. CAD $1,500.
- Full Canada-wide registration: CAD $3,800 to CAD $5,000 or more.
These costs reflect not only filing fees but also engineering review time, administrative costs, and possible additional revisions requested by regulators.
What to Expect During the Process
When engaging in CRN registration as part of your professional engineering services:
- Begin early: Determine if your equipment needs a CRN and which jurisdictions apply. MECS Engineering helps with this.
- Prepare full documentation: Drawings, calculations, quality systems, scope of registration all need to be completed. Incomplete submissions are a major cause of delay.
- Respond promptly to regulator queries: Every ‘request for information’ (RFI) can add weeks to the timeline.
- Plan for multi-jurisdiction registration: If you target several provinces, expect additional time and cost. The mutual recognition scheme helps but does not eliminate follow-up in each region.
Final Thoughts
Securing a Canadian Registration Number is a necessary step for operating pressure equipment legally in Canada. With MECS Engineering’s expertise in professional engineering services, you can navigate the timelines and costs with confidence. While the process can be variable, being well-prepared means fewer surprises and a smoother path to approval.
With the support of MECS Engineering, you can adjust the timelines, costs and your expectations.
Reach out to MECS Engineering today to know more about us.
