Obtain your Canadian compliance successfully
and bring your products safely onto the Canadian market
Certification Experts is your full-service compliance partner and guides you through the complete Canadian compliance process according to CSA standards, CCOHS requirements, FCC, ICES requirements and CCPSA. With over 25 years of experience, our team of experts helps you to obtain access to the Canadian market.
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CE Marking: Obtain Canadian compliance
To access the Canadian market, your products must comply. This means adhering to measures for evaluating and certifying products in alignment with Federal Regulations and National Codes, such as:
- Industrial equipment and products used as work tools in a professional environment are subject to regulation by provincial and territorial occupational health and safety agencies, with guidance and resources provided by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
- Electrical and electronic products susceptible to (unwanted) electronic emissions or electromagnetic interference: are regulated by the Dept of Communications within Canada and must be in compliance with ICES requirements.
- Medical Devices: class I are regulated by the Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) and class II, III and IV are regulated by Medical Device License (MDL)
- Consumer products: are regulated by the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA)
- Toy safety: regime is in effect under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). There are several regulations under the CCPSA that address specific hazards with children’s toys, the main regulation is the Toys Regulations (SOR/2011-17)
What does CSA approval mean?
CSA stands for the Canadian Standards Association, and their approval is similar to the CE mark in the European Union. CSA International certifies products, including electrical and mechanical ones, as well as other risky products.
A CSA logo shows the product has been tested to Canadian standards and meets those requirements. Although CSA approval isn’t legally mandatory, government regulations or industry associations often require it. Manufacturers often prefer using CSA, a National Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). CSA serves a dual role: developing standards and functioning as an NRTL.
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) rely on NRTL reports to determine compliance with Canadian market requirements. As the CSA standards are the accepted safety requirements, all NRTLs will also use these standards to assess products. AHJs treat all NRTLs equally, as they are accredited organizations. Certification Experts executes the proces and partners with National Recognized Testing Laboratories accredited for Canadian market conformity procedures.
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How to achieve Canadian compliance?
The CSA marking certification process can be difficult to understand and the CSA certification cost depends on the particular service. Our team of experts at Certification Experts offer guidance and advice on compliance solutions Canada to ease this process and offer the following services:
We assist in achieving product compliance for these markets:
- USA: certification UL
- International: CB certification
- Europe: CE Marking
- UK: UKCA mark
- China: CCC marking
Check out our Services
Click on the service blocks below to see what our experts can do to help you obtain Canadian compliance.
Canadian Compliance (CSA)
Canadian (CSA) compliance services are important in industries where safety, reliability, and consumer trust are paramount, such as electrical and electronic products, appliances, industrial equipment, and more. These services help businesses demonstrate their commitment to safety and quality while enabling them to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Certification Experts offers complete guidance and expert services in order to ensure your equipment is compliant with Canadian legislation to be able to enter the Canadian market.
- Determine applicable product standard
- Documentation review
- Technical Advisory Service (TAS)
- Guidance towards testing
- Field evaluation and certification
- Guidance with NRTL-procedure
- Guidance with limited product certification
Technical Compliance Review (TCR)
Certification Experts offers a pre-project: a Technical Compliance Review (TCR), prior to the compliance procedure. The TCR is based on technical documentation and an initial inspection of the equipment. The findings of the TCR will be provided in a findings letter by the NRTL (National Recognized Testing Laboratory). In collaboration with all applicable parties involved, the required modifications will be stipulated to ensure a successful compliance procedure.
- Documentation review
- Review of critical components based on the Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Equipment inspection
- Findings letter
- Guidance prior to the compliance procedure
Field Evaluation or Certification
Field Certification (FC) – also called Unit Verification, is an internationally recognized form of certification under the ISO conformity assessment system and is accepted by the accreditation of professionals. An FC will be conducted for each individual product or batch on location, including a one-time test. Certification Experts can guide this process.
- Collaboration with the NRTL
- Perform a final electrical safety test
- Final inspection of the equipment
- Labelling will be provided; including official documents wherein approval of the label is stated
Limited Product Certification (LPC)
Limited Product Certification (LPC) is essentially a “batch certification,” designed to accommodate situations where a limited quantity of the product is manufactured, or a batch of the product is intended for distribution. After verifying that all units in the batch are identical to the test sample and in compliance, they are labeled on location by a NRTL representative, using a serialized certification. Certification Experts can guide this process.
- The product is tested and evaluated to the appropriate standards at the NRTL laboratory
- Labelling batch on location
CCOHS
Safety requirements apply to machines, devices and equipment for the professional market. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) monitors compliance with this. Certification Experts can ensure your products meet these requirements in order to guarantee compliance with CCOHS.
- Verify the CCOHS requirements
- Determine safety status according to the CCOHS requirements
- Provide advice and guidance regarding CCOHS
- Perform risk assessment
ISED
Certification Experts can guide with complying with ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development). These regulations involves several key steps to ensure that electronic and wireless devices meet the necessary requirements.
- Product Classification under ISED’s regulatory framework.
- Radio Equipment Certification
- Testing and Evaluation
- Technical Documentation
- Declaration
- Registration with ISED
- Labeling Requirements
- Submission and Approval
ICES
Being ICES compliant is important as it prevents interference with other devices, meets regulations like CRTC mandates, builds consumer trust, avoids penalties and recalls, enables global market access, and enhances industry reputation. Certification Experts can guide to comply with ICES (Interference-Causing Equipment Standard) regulations in Canada ensure that electronic or electrical equipment doesn’t cause interference with radio communications and other devices.
- Determine if equipment falls under the scope of ICES regulations
- Testing and Evaluation
- Technical Documentation
- Declaration
- Labeling Requirements
- Registration (if applicable)
- Submission and Compliance Verification
Canadian Medical Devices Regulation (CMDR SOR/98-282)
Manufacturers intending to obtain a Medical Device License for medical devices classified as II, III, or IV are required to demonstrate adherence to the Canadian Medical Devices Regulation (CMDR SOR/98-282). Manufacturers of Class I devices that are not sold directly to the consumer must acquire a Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL). The MDEL requires companies to have documented procedures in place that meet the CMDR related to distribution records, complaint handling, recalls, incident reporting, and (as applicable) for handling, storage, delivery, installation, servicing and corrective action. Health Canada periodically inspects MDEL holders to ensure these procedures and records are maintained.
CCPSA and Toys Regulations
Canada’s mandatory toy safety regime is in effect under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). There are several regulations under the CCPSA that address specific hazards with children’s toys, the main regulation is the Toys Regulations (SOR/2011-17). Certifications can provide aid with verifying the compliance of this.
- Product Classification
- Testing and Evaluation
- Risk Assessment
- Technical Documentation
- Declaration
- Labeling Requirements
- Notification and Reporting
All the answers you might need!
CSA certification is generally not widely accepted in the United States. In the U.S., product certifications are often based on standards developed by organisations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs). These organisations establish standards that are widely recognised and accepted in the U.S. market.
While CSA is a respected certification organisation, its certifications may not automatically fulfill the requirements for product entry into the U.S. market. If you intend to sell or distribute products in the U.S., it is advisable to check the specific requirements and standards recognised by U.S. regulatory bodies and seek certification from relevant organisations that hold recognition in the U.S. market.
Obtaining a CSA certificate is not a legally mandatory marking, but a voluntary certification. However, many manufacturers choose to obtain and affix a CSA marking as it is a third-party organisation that is highly recognizable from a consumer standpoint, and thereby they also assume the responsibility for if anything goes wrong.
CSA (Canadian Standards Association) marking is primarily associated with Canada, where CSA standards are widely recognised and utilised to ensure the safety, performance, and sustainability of various products and systems.
While CSA marking is commonly linked to Canada, it’s important to note that certain products with CSA certification might also find acceptance in the United States and other international markets. The CSA Group collaborates with other standardisation bodies, and in some instances, their certifications may extend beyond Canada.
However, for products intended for markets outside of Canada, it is crucial to verify the specific standards and requirements of those regions. In the United States, for instance, products may need to adhere to standards established by organisations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Always confirm the particular certification and marking prerequisites applicable to the target market where you plan to sell or distribute your products.
CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification in Canada involves adherence to specific requirements outlined by the CSA Group. The requirements can vary depending on the type of product or system being certified.
There are many CSA standards to proof compliance with the specific requirements. Below are some of the many products that are often CSA certified based on CSA Certification Canada Requirements:
- Electrical components
- Electronic equipment
- Wire and cable
- Appliances
- IT
- Fire protection and fire suppression equipment
- Signalling alarms
- Equipment for use in hazardous locations
However, it is important to note that being CSA certified is not mandatory, therefore a Certificate of Compliance Canada is not required.
CSA is an abbreviation for Canadian Standards Association. The CSA marking is considered to be the equivalent of the CE mark, which is used in the European Union, and the CSA standards and approval marking are used in Canada. The CSA registered mark indicates that a product has been independently tested and the certification CSA has been performed to meet recognized standards for safety or performance.
To enter the Canadian market, you need to ensure the safety of your products/services and obtaining the CSA certification can proof Canadian compliance. The CSA mark indicates that the product, process, and service have been tested according to Canadian standards and comply with these standards. Full safety compliance is achieved by adhering to measures set to assess and certify product safety in accordance with federal regulations and national codes. However, the marking is not a legally mandatory designation unless mandated by a government or established in a mandate by an industry or trade association.
CSA publishes standards in print and electronic form given in the CSA marking certificate Database. Furthermore, CSA provides training and advisory services. CSA is composed of representatives from industry, government, and consumer groups. Herein, they offer CSA product certification for electrical products, mechanical products, or ‘at risk’ ones in general. The CSA logo indicates that the product, process and service have been tested according to Canadian standards and that they comply with requirements of this standard.
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