Measurement Canada's Authorized Service Providers

An Authorized Service Provider is an organization that can inspect and certify devices on behalf of the Government of Canada. Organizations must meet the requirements of either the Accreditation Program or the Registration Program. Before these alternative service delivery programs were developed, inspection duties were performed only by Measurement Canada staff.

Both programs enable private sector organizations to inspect and certify measuring devices. Accredited organizations must implement and maintain a quality management system. They can certify any device under the scope of their accreditation, regardless of the trade sector that the device is used in. For example, if the organization is accredited for the certification of truck scales, it can offer its services to the pulp and paper industry, the petroleum industry, or the grain industry. Registered organizations do not need a quality management system and can only certify devices for specific trade sectors.

The decision for an organization to opt for accreditation or registration will depend on the sector in which the organization is or wants to get involved in and the investment in resources that it is ready to make.

In order to facilitate compliance, Measurement Canada monitors Authorized Service Providers to ensure that the terms, conditions and requirements of the applicable program are being met. Audits, evaluations of technicians and follow-up inspections are performed to determine that the work done by Authorized Service Providers is adequate.

• They can expand as service providers by adding inspection and certification to the services they offer.
• They are able to undertake inspection work at their own pace and are therefore less dependent on Measurement Canada for these activities.
• They have the opportunity to further their knowledge of the rules and regulations that govern trade measurement in Canada.

The activity of overseeing the work of Authorized Service Providers is less costly and time-consuming than inspections and therefore allows Measurement Canada to redirect its freed-up resources to areas that require more intervention.

Each program has special eligibility criteria. Generally speaking, most incorporated companies in Canada, the United States and Mexico are eligible.

• Contact your local Measurement Canada office or visit the Authorized Service Providers section of Measurement Canada's website at www.mc.ic.gc.ca to obtain an application form.
• Submit the application form and applicable fees to Measurement Canada.
• The application will then be reviewed by a Measurement Canada representative.
• If your application is accepted, local Measurement Canada personnel will meet with your organization to determine the next steps.