Quebec CRN Requirements: RBQ Pressure Equipment Registration

Reviewed by CRN expert team · Last updated: October 23, 2026

Quebec regulates pressure installations under the Building Act (chapter B-1.1) and the Regulation respecting pressure installations (chapter B-1.1, r. 6.1), administered by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). The regulation adopts CSA B51 as its manufacturing code and CSA B52 for refrigeration equipment. Kopfkino manages Quebec CRN registrations.

Quebec's Distinct Regulatory Framework

The Regulation respecting pressure installations adopts CSA B51 as its manufacturing code (CSA B52 for refrigeration equipment) and requires manufacturing designs to be registered with the RBQ, with designs for pressure vessels and boilers signed by an engineer. In the consolidation current to July 1, 2026, standard category A, B and C piping and accessories made to an ASME standard are exempt from registration, although their designs must be kept available for verification. A regulation amending the RISP was published on July 15, 2026 and, according to the RBQ, came into force on July 29, 2026; it updated the codes and standards the regulation refers to, so confirm the edition the RBQ will apply before the design is finalized. The number the RBQ issues follows the CRN format, with designator 6 for Quebec. Source: Regulation respecting pressure installations (B-1.1, r. 6.1); RBQ: regulation published for entry into force

• Administered by the RBQ under the Building Act and the Regulation respecting pressure installations
• CSA B51 adopted as the manufacturing code
• Designs for pressure vessels and boilers signed by an engineer
• Standard category A, B and C accessories and piping made to an ASME standard exempt from registration
• Codes and standards updated by the amendment in force July 29, 2026

Quebec Submission Requirements

The RBQ receives applications by email at enregistrementdesplans@rbq.gouv.qc.ca, one email per design application, with the files attached; calculations for boilers and pressure vessels are signed by an engineer and sent in PDF format. Where a design is already registered in another province, the RBQ application form asks for proof of the initial registration.

• Application by email, one email per design
• Calculations signed by an engineer, in PDF (boilers and pressure vessels)
• Proof of initial registration where the design is registered elsewhere
• Authority review time depends on the regulator, the equipment category and how complete the file is. Several authorities do not publish a standard review time. RBQ currently states that its processing times are longer than usual.

Key Quebec Industries

Aerospace, aluminium smelting, pharmaceutical manufacturing in Montreal, pulp and paper, food and beverage processing, and hydroelectric power generation all generate RBQ registration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Quebec-licensed engineer required for RBQ submissions?

The regulation requires designs for pressure vessels and boilers to be signed by an engineer. Confirm with the RBQ and the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec whether membership of the Ordre is needed for the specific work.

"Plan the Quebec submission early: confirm which code edition the RBQ will apply and check the RBQ's current processing queue before committing to a delivery date."