A lapsed authorization is a licence, registration, permit or certificate from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) that has expired.
It is illegal for regulated devices, facilities, contractors, and businesses to operate without a valid TSSA licence or registration. Operating without one poses a risk to public safety.
If a TSSA-regulated party fails to renew or reinstate their authorization(s), TSSA will begin further regulatory action. This action may include shutting down a device or pursuing court action for offences under the Technical Standards and Safety Act (Ontario.ca). Failure to respond to TSSA authorization inquiries may result in an inspection at a cost to the regulated party.
If a regulated party continues to operate without renewing or reinstating an authorization, a TSSA inspector will be authorized to shut down the illegally operating device, facility or business until the regulated party complies with safety regulations
If a device, site or facility has recently undergone a change of ownership, see our Change of Ownership section.
If a device, site or facility has been decommissioned or is no longer operating, please see our Cancellations and Shut Downs section.
Lapsed Authorization Policy—Inclusions and Exclusions
This lapsed authorization policy applies to the following TSSA authorizations:
Boiler and pressure vessel (BPV) certificates of inspection (COIs)
Pipelines: natural gas; petroleum, propane
Fuels-Safety contractors: heating fuels; compressed gas; petroleum
Fuels-Safety Facilities: Compressed natural gas; natural gas; propane; liquid fuels; bulk plants; hydrogen; and conversion centres
Elevating device contractors
Elevating devices
Amusement Business License
Ski Contractors, Ski Devices
TSSA’s lapsed authorization policy does not apply to the following authorizations issued by TSSA:
Operating Engineer plants
Tanker trucks: Fuel oil; liquid fuels; propane
Fuel Safety facilities: digester and fuel oil distribution
All certificate holders
Special process for certificate holders
Certificate holders whose certificates have expired for more than one year must follow TSSA’s certificate reinstatement policy for Gas Technician/Oil Burner Technicians (pdf) or the Petroleum Mechanic Certification Program (pdf)
Expiry reminders
You may renew an authorization beginning 60 days before the renewal date, and you may keep it from lapsing up to 60 days after the authorization expires.
To help regulated parties keep their licences and registrations in good standing and remain compliant with safety laws, TSSA provides notice of renewal using the outreach methods listed below:
- Renewal invoice sent 60 days before expiry to all authorization holders, including businesses.
- Reminder letters of payment due or overdue sent:
- 15 days before expiry
- On date of expiry
- 30 days after expiry
- Renewal reminders sent to businesses only:
- 60 days after expiry: Reminder letter sent
- 67 days after expiry: Phone call from TSSA
- 76 days after expiry: Phone call from TSSA
- 83 days after expiry: Arrangement for shut down of operation by a TSSA inspector.
Note: this procedure only applies to holders of TSSA licences and registrations for businesses, contractors, facilities, and devices. It does not apply to TSSA certificate holders. Certificate holders whose certificates have expired for more than one year must follow TSSA’s certificate reinstatement policy (pdf).
Historical Lapsed Authorizations
Historical lapsed authorizations are licences, registrations, permits or certificates that expired between April 30, 2016, and April 30, 2021.
Using an outreach method similar to that for lapsed authorizations, TSSA addresses historical lapsed authorizations by communicating with former authorization holders on how to reinstate expired authorizations, and escalating to inspections in situations in which authorizations cannot be resolved.
Former authorization holders who are no longer operating must provide TSSA with confirmation that the operational status of their business, facility or device is ‘not operating’ or in ‘voluntary shut-down’. Former authorization holders who are still operating their business, facility or device must reinstate their authorizations.
If former authorization holders fail to reinstate their authorizations or TSSA is unable to confirm that the operational status is ‘not operating’ or in ‘voluntary shut-down’, TSSA will begin further regulatory action, such as shutting down a device, facility or business and/or prosecution for regulatory offenses under the Technical Standards and Safety Act (Ontario.ca).
Reinstating a Lapsed Authorization
When you reinstate a lapsed authorization, back fees will be applied, including the entire annual fee multiplied by the number of previous renewal periods since the authorization was last active.
To avoid or minimize back fees, authorization holders must notify TSSA of the voluntary shutdown of a device or facility and seek TSSA’s assistance on a safe shutdown.
Requalification process
Former authorization holders will also be required to undergo an inspection to ensure they comply with the following:
Meet the Code as of the date of installation.
Meet all retroactive Director’s Orders and Safety Orders; and
Ensure their maintenance is current.
TSSA will inform you of all your reinstatement requirements as part of the lapsed authorization reinstatement process.