What is a Canadian Registration Number (CRN)?

A CRN, also referred to as a Canadian Registration Number, is a unique identification number given to pressure equipment designs in Canada. Each unique design is given its own CRN number, which is then attached to all individual products and serial numbers that match that design.

This number is issued by each province or territory and provides evidence that the design has been accepted or registered for usage in Canada. Today we’ll dive more into the topic of CRN numbers and answer some commonly asked questions about them. 

What is the purpose of a Canadian Registration Number?

It may come as a surprise that no other country or nation has Registration Numbers for pressure equipment. Instead, Registration Numbers are only required in Canada. But why aren’t other countries following suit? What is the importance of this number?

Canadian Registration Numbers serve one purpose – to help improve the safety of pressure equipment. Any equipment that has been registered has been designed up to codes and standards and has been rigorously tested to ensure safety.

Requirements here in Canada are very competitive and stringent, and safety is put as a number one priority. 

What/Who is required to have a registration number?

If you have developed a pressure-retaining product or system that operates at 15 PSIG or greater pressure, you may be required to have a Canadian Registration Number. Without one, you are not legally able to use or install your product or equipment. 

Canadian Registration Numbers are distributed by the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority), but all equipment must be registered within the province or territory where it is to be distributed, installed, or used. 

There is a fee for administration purposes when applying for a Candian Registration Number. You can file a National Service Request for a CRN on the TSSA website. Here you will be required to specify the type of design, the province or territory you are requesting a number for (or all jurisdictions if applicable), and a variety of information about your design and company.

How do I read a CRN?

Canadian Registration Numbers differ slightly depending on whether they are for a Pressure vessel or a fitting. 

Pressure Vessel CRN’s consist of 1 letter, 4 digits, and a decimal point followed by 10 numbers and 3 letters. The first letter and 4 digits are a numbering system used by the province or territory issuing the number.

The first number to the right of the decimal point represents which province is issuing the number. The number 1, for example, represents British Columbia, while the number 2 represents Alberta, the number 3 represents Saskatchewan, and so on and so forth. 

Do Canadian Registration Numbers Expire?

No. CRNs for pressure vessels in Canada do not expire. Once you have registered for a CRN, you can make as many copies of your design as desired without ever having to register for another number. With that being said, you will have to register for a new CRN if you make any changes to your design or materials. 

In conclusion, if you wish to design a pressure vessel or fitting in Canada, you will need to apply for a Canadian Registration Number, or CRN. Failing to do so is considered illegal and may result in fines and penalties.