The designation of a standard as a NSC indicates that it is recognized as the official Canadian standard in a particular subject area or topic. Before a standard can become a national standard, it must be approved by SCC. Standards that include the prefix CAN as part of their reference number have been designated an NSC.

To be approved, an NSC has to meet certain requirements, including that it be:

• developed by consensus from a balanced committee of stakeholders,
• subjected to public scrutiny,
• published in both official languages,
• consistent with or incorporate existing international and pertinent foreign standards, and,
• not a barrier to trade.

NSCs may be developed in Canada or adopted, with or without changes, from international standards.

For more information see Requirements & Guidance: Approval of National Standards of Canada Designation