# Does restaurant equipment need to be certified in Canada?

Quick answer by Norpex (Opening a restaurant). Updated 2026-09-25.
Canonical: https://norpex.ca/answers/restaurant-equipment-certification-canada

Yes, in most cases. Electrical and gas equipment used in Canada has to be certified by an accredited body, shown by a mark such as CSA, cUL or cETLus, and many health inspectors look for a food-equipment sanitation mark such as NSF. Check the data plate or listing for Canadian marks before you buy, especially on imported equipment.

## Details

A small 'c' beside a mark, as in cUL or cETLus, means the product was certified to Canadian standards. A mark with only 'us' covers the United States and is not a Canadian approval, so your provincial electrical or gas safety authority may not accept it; a unit with a US-only listing may need a field evaluation or special inspection before it can be used, which adds cost and delay.

Sanitation marks such as NSF show that the materials, design and construction were evaluated against a food equipment standard, including how easily the food-contact surfaces can be cleaned. Health units vary in what they ask for, so check with your local public health unit if you are unsure.

## Read more

- [NSF, CSA, cUL and ETL Marks Explained for Canadian Kitchens](https://norpex.ca/guides/certification-marks-explained)
- [Restaurant Equipment Checklist: What to Buy to Open in Canada](https://norpex.ca/guides/restaurant-equipment-checklist)

## Shop the catalogue

- [Cooking Equipment](https://norpex.ca/products/cooking)
- [Refrigeration & Ice](https://norpex.ca/products/refrigeration)
- [Food Preparation](https://norpex.ca/products/food-preparation)