Getting Your MEWP Equipment Certified: What Manufacturers Need to Know
Posted by HITE Engineering • July 2025
Whether you’re a manufacturer, importer, or rental company operating in Canada, ensuring that your Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) meet safety certification standards is not only best practice — it’s essential. Equipment like scissor lifts, boom lifts, mast climbers, and articulated platforms must comply with national standards before being sold, rented, or operated.
In this article, we break down why certification matters, who it applies to, and how to navigate the process for multiple models. We’ll also highlight how HITE Engineering supports companies across North America in meeting their compliance needs.
Why Is MEWP Certification Required?
Regulatory requirements vary across the Canadian provinces, but generally, all provinces describe a regulatory requirement for a Professional Engineering to confirm compliance of a MEWP system with the provisions described in a relevant CSA standard. For example, CAN/CSA B354.6:17 (R2022), which outlines safety and performance standards for MEWPs . Without a compliant engineering report, your equipment may not be accepted by provincial regulators or buyers.
For U.S. markets, certification is often aligned with ANSI A92 standards. But in Canada, the applicable requirements fall under the CSA technical standards. And while certain ANSI A92 standards are harmonized with CSA B354 requirements, confirmation of compliance to the CSA B354.6:17 standard, which governs how MEWPs must be designed, tested, and verified for safe operation, must be completed by a locally licensed Professional Engineer.
Certification ensures:
- Compliance with mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic safety systems
- Safe operator interface, fall arrest tie-offs, and emergency controls
- Confidence for customers, inspectors, and workers
Who Needs Certification?
You are responsible for certification if you are:
- A manufacturer introducing new MEWP models in Canada
- An importer of equipment built outside North America
- A rental company purchasing uncertified units from overseas suppliers
Common project scopes range from a single custom lift to certification for entire lines of MEWP models across different configurations and manufacturing lines.
When Is Certification Required?
MEWP certification is triggered when:
- You introduce a new model not previously certified
- You make modifications to existing equipment (e.g., controls, structure, platform size, attachments)
- You relabel, rebrand, or import equipment for Canadian use
Note: Compliance is required before a unit is placed into service. Don’t risk delays due to rejection by safety inspectors or customers.
What Does Certification Involve?
Phase 1: Technical Review
- Evaluate design specs, manuals, control logic, and schematics
- Assess compliance with CSA B354.6 and related standards (e.g., Z98, ISO 12100, ISO 13849)
- Identify any gaps before site testing
Phase 2: Witnessed Testing
- An certification provider either witnesses testing at your facility (e.g., in Ontario, U.S., or Asia) or conducts testing internally
- Tests include static and dynamic stability, control functions, acceleration and braking, and fall arrest
Phase 3: Final Report
- Engineer issues a signed, sealed Letter of Conformance
- If deficiencies exist, a list of required changes is provided
- Corrective action can be reviewed to finalize certification
Want to know what regulators expect? Visit CCOHS.ca for resources on fall protection and elevating devices.
Why Work with HITE Engineering?
- 25+ years of certification & safety experience
- Licensed across multiple provinces (ON, AB, BC, QC, MB, NS)
- Conducted certification projects for 13+ MEWP models in 2024 alone
- Responsive, fast, and knowledgeable with international support
We help you go from design concept to fully certified product, working directly with manufacturers, engineering leads, and safety officers. Check out our inspection services page for more support.
✅ FAQ: MEWP Certification
What does MEWP certification involve?
It includes a technical design review, on-site testing, and a final engineering report confirming conformance with CSA standards.
Who is responsible for certification?
The manufacturer or importer of record. In some cases, rental companies initiating purchase from overseas may also be liable.
What happens if the unit doesn’t pass?
HITE provides a list of deficiencies and works with your team to resolve them. Once corrected, the review continues to certification.
Can I certify multiple models at once?
Yes. We regularly certify multiple models in one coordinated review process with on-site testing and batch documentation.
Is certification mandatory in all provinces?
Yes. While regulatory verbiage and enforcement varies, CSA standards are nationally recognized and required for legal operation of MEWPs across Canada by provincial regulations.
📢 Ready to Certify Your MEWPs?
Whether you’re preparing for a product launch, updating your models, or responding to a buyer’s request, our team at HITE Engineering is here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your certification needs or download our documentation checklist to get started.
