Myth #1 - CSA International only operates in Canada.

Fact #1: CSA International is a Canadian organisation with a worldwide network of offices and partners. Currently, CSA International has offices in Canada, the U.S., Arnhem, the Netherlands, China and India and partnership agreements with over 20 organisations. CSA tests and certifies products to meet requirements for markets around the world.

Myth #2 - CSA International is a government agency.

Fact #2: CSA International is not a government agency but a provider of testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in Canada, the U.S. and around the world, CSA's Marks appear on over one billion products worldwide.

Myth #3 - The CSA Mark is a Canadian government safety seal.

Fact #3: The CSA Mark is not a government seal. The CSA Mark is a registered mark that is the property of CSA. Only products that are tested by CSA International or by an organisation qualified by CSA are certified and authorized to bear the CSA Mark. A product bearing the CSA Mark tells consumers it has been tested under a formal process that includes examination, testing and follow-up inspection and that it meets the requirements of applicable standards.

Myth #4 - All standards are enforced by government.

Fact #4: Compliance to CSA standards is voluntary unless legislated by government or mandated by trade or industry associations. CSA does not have the power to make a standard mandatory, since CSA is not part of any government. It is up to federal, provincial, state and municipal governments to reference standards in their legislation. Many organisations choose to comply with voluntary standards because, by doing so, they demonstrate their commitment to quality, performance or safety.

Myth #5 - CSA is a consumer protection agency monitoring the safety of all products sold in Canada.

Fact #5: CSA International is neither a government agency nor a consumer protection agency. Part of the North American safety network, CSA's purpose is to make standards work for people and business. The CSA Mark indicates to consumers a product has been tested under a formal process that includes examination, testing, and follow-up inspection and that the product meets the requirements of applicable standards.

Myth #6 - CSA standards are developed by CSA employees.

Fact #6: CSA does not write standards, but facilitates the process. CSA's standards are developed by committees comprised of volunteer members representing interested parties on the subject. Each committee has a balanced matrix to ensure everyone has a voice in the process and that no individual group can dominate. Standards are published only after public input is received and a consensus of opinion is achieved.

Myth #7 - CSA only creates standards for electrical products.

Fact #7: CSA develops a broad range of standards -- everything from standards for gas and plumbing equipment to construction and telecommunications to health care technology and quality assurance. In addition, CSA has developed standards for many consumer products such as cycling and hockey helmets. CSA is leading the way in the development of standards to address social concerns. In the 1990's, CSA forged new ground by becoming North America's first standards development organisation to introduce a model code for the protection of personal information and a standard on sustainable forest management.

Myth #8 - CSA International can force manufacturers to recall products.

Fact #8: CSA International has no regulatory power and therefore cannot enforce the recall of any product. Most recalls are defined as a notice to consumers to return a specific product for replacement or repair of a defective part. Most manufacturers do this voluntarily when a problem arises in the marketplace. In some instances, CSA International will work with the manufacturer to help facilitate the process when the recalled product bears the CSA Mark. Under these circumstances, CSA International also notifies the appropriate regulatory authorities of the voluntary recall.