Product Certification
for Canada

Industrial equipment and products used as work tools in a work or professional environments are covered by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Consumer products are governed by the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). Voluntary product standards are established by organizations like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

What is CSA certification?

The CSA (Canadian Standards Association) publishes Canadian standards commonly used in conformity assessment or certification. Product certification in Canada typically follows standards developed by CSA, which define the safety requirements for various products. Compliance with these standards is often verified by certification bodies like CSA.

Is CSA certification mandatory in Canada?

CSA certification is not mandatory for all products in Canada. However, for certain product categories, especially electrical and electronic products, certification by a accredited certification body like CSA or an equivalent organization is required to meet Canadian safety standards before these products can be placed on the market and/or put into service. While CSA is commonly recognized and used, other accredited certifications bodies may also be accepted if they certify products to applicable Canadian standards.

Some examples of the accredited certification bodies authorized to affix a listing mark to unregulated products include:

Product Safety Testing

Certification procedures in Canada are carried out in accordance with product standards that are usually established by (non-profit) organizations such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The product standards define the design requirements applicable to the products.

Certification Procedure in Canada

The certification procedure can be initiated in three manners:

• Listing Type Approval. A type approval consists of two phases: a complete test in accordance with a relevant product standard based on which a license is obtained to affix an certification body marking, as well as a follow-up inspection (4 or 2 times a year) in order to maintain the license.
• Limited Production Certification (LPC). Aimed at affixing a conformity marking to a limited number of products or to a batch of products.
• Field Evaluation (FE). Primarily aimed at the on-site affixing of a conformity marking to one singular product (e.g. a unique machinery/installation).

Limited Production Certification (LPC)

For products manyfactured in small or limited quantities, such as specialty equipment or market-testing products, Limited Production Certification (LPC) can be applied. After an LPC certification procedure has been carried out, the certification body authorizes the manufacturer to apply the certification mark to the product for a limited period of time and/or a specific serial production.

Field Evaluation

In particular for unit verifications, it is possible to perform Field Evaluation, which is also referred to as “Special Inspection”. Field Evaluation includes the assessment of the design of one single product by the certification body in accordance with an applicable product standard. Considering that this is a unit verification, the conformity relates only to the assessed product. During a Field Evaluation it is allowed to deviate from certain aspects of the applicable standard, provided that safety remains guaranteed. This will be examined by this particular auditor/inspector from the certification body. After a Field Evaluation the certification body authorizes the manufacturer to affix a Field Evaluation mark to the product.

ICES Certification

Electrical and electronic products susceptible to (unwanted) electronic emissions or electromagnetic interference must comply with the standards set by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The applicable requirements are outlined in the Interference-Causing Equipment Standards(ICES). Depending on the product classification, compliance with ICES can be achieved through either (self)assessment or, in some cases, mandatory certification.

How can we help you?

Certification Company specializes in conducting product conformity assessment procedures to determine whether a product meets all the requirements of Canada. Our services include:

• Classify products to determine the applicable federal legislation;
• Identify the applicable mandatory or voluntary national (CSA) and international standards (IEC);
• Provide representation services for Canada;
• Carry out comprehensive Canadian conformity assessment procedures based on CCOHS and ICES standards, including:
  • Listing Type Approvals;
  • Limited Production Certifications;
  • Field Evaluation;
  • Conduct and verify product conformity tests (including on-site inspections).