Turnaround time
Normal turnaround time for NRC calibration services varies from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of service required and the workload of the group involved.
Scheduling arrangements
We recommend you discuss your requirements in advance with the appropriate NRC staff member. To find their contact information, consult the page for the applicable service from the list of calibration and measurement services.
Doing so in advance can help you avoid additional costs by preventing unnecessary delays in the calibration process. It will also help you get answers to any questions you may have and plan a tentative schedule.
Some services are provided only on a cyclical basis each year. In such cases, we advise you to make an appointment well in advance to ensure you have your results when you require them.
Agreement for standard calibration services
Before shipping an item for calibration, you will be required to complete and return a signed NRC agreement for calibration services. We accept both electronic and handwritten signatures.
Fees
Fees for calibration services are subject to change. Fees quoted do not include shipping, insurance, the cost of a customs broker or customs fees. You are responsible for arranging and paying for these services. For more information about related fees, consult our shipping information page.
Payment
When the calibration is complete, you will receive an invoice in Canadian dollars (CAD) or another currency specified in the NRC agreement for calibration services. Payment is due within 30 days of the date of the invoice.
We accept the following payment types:
- Cheque
- MasterCard, Visa and American Express
- Wire transfer for the full invoiced amount, payable to the Receiver General for Canada (you must indicate the name of the NRC group, program or project providing the service)
International clients
NRC may provide calibration services for clients outside of Canada subject to the availability of NRC resources. If you are an international client, contact the NRC staff member responsible for the service to discuss your requirements. You can find the contact information by consulting the page for the applicable service from the list of calibration and measurement services.
If the NRC accepts your request for service, we will advise you in advance in writing of the cost and provide you with the name and contact information of the NRC staff member who will carry out the measurements.
To initiate a request for calibration services, send an email to our business team at MSS-SMEBusiness-Affaires@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
Shipping
Important: Instruments cannot be shipped for calibration until the NRC has issued a signed NRC agreement for calibration services.
For information on shipping an instrument for calibration, how to prepare an instrument for shipping and special instructions and considerations for international shipments, consult our shipping information page.
Shipping information for calibration or measurement services
Important information
Before shipping or delivering an item for calibration or measurement services:
- Complete and return a signed copy of NRC agreement for calibration services to the recipient indicated in the agreement
- Contact your NRC technical contact person to make arrangements for equipment delivery (see agreement for contact information)
Fees quoted for our services do not include shipping, insurance or the cost of a customs broker. You are responsible for these costs as well as any customs fees required to get your equipment to and from the NRC facility. It is your responsibility to arrange and pay for these services.
The NRC does not repair or adjust instruments or standards. We expect all instruments and standards to be adjusted before they're sent to the NRC. Any that are in obvious need of maintenance will be returned without calibration and a handling fee will be charged for any work completed. However, we may do simple repairs such as tightening of loose terminals (unless a sealed instrument).
We do not recommend shipping sensitive measuring instruments or standards during very cold weather or periods of extreme heat.
Packaging instructions and general guidelines
- Carefully pack precision measuring instruments and standards so they are protected from mechanical shocks, vibration and damage during transit
- Before each item is packed, tighten any binding posts and switch any clamping devices to the clamp or transit position
- Place plugs and other small accessories in a separate small container attached to the equipment
- Prior to shipment, fully drain any unsealed electrical standards that are oil-immersed
- Wrap all items in heavy paper or a similar material and seal with adhesive tape to protect them from dust
- Place about 10 cm of clean, unused resilient shock-absorbing material inside the container on all 6 sides of the instrument to keep it in place and protect it from shocks and vibrations
- Use strong shipping containers
- If using wooden crates, fasten closed with screws not nails in order to avoid mechanical shocks during closing or opening
- If shipping delicate instruments, mark the exterior of the container in permanent ink with the words "Fragile. Handle with care."
- If shipping anything with glass parts, mark the exterior of the container in permanent ink with the word "Glass"
- If an instrument or standard should not be inverted, mark the exterior of the container in permanent ink with the words "This side up."
- Ensure any boxes containing dangerous goods (e.g. certain types of batteries and battery-powered equipment, radioactive material, etc.) have the required regulatory and safety markings on the outside of the box
- Write the name and phone number of the NRC technical contact person clearly in the documentation and in permanent ink on the outside of the container
- Write your name and address clearly in the documentation and in permanent ink on the outside of the container
- If additional handling instructions or guidelines apply to any items, communicate them to your NRC technical contact person in advance
The NRC will make every effort to ensure your instruments and standards are handled with extreme care and, when possible, to return equipment in its original container.
Domestic shipping
- Deliveries can be scheduled Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4 pm Eastern Time, excluding statutory holidays
- Ship items for calibration directly to the attention of the NRC technical contact person responsible for the service you're requesting (see agreement for shipping address)
- You must indicate in the NRC agreement for calibration services if you want a specific carrier to handle the return shipment and include your carrier account number
International shipping
Ensure all shipping arrangements and documentation, such as commercial invoices and waybills, are finalized and fees are paid before shipping an instrument or standard.
Also ensure you have completed the below steps:
- Prepay all applicable fees, such as customs, importation and shipping fees
- Make arrangements for the instruments to be returned to you
- Include copies of all paperwork, such as waybills, commercial invoices and any related forms, with your shipment and email copies to your NRC technical contact person
- Do not list the NRC as the importer of record
- Indicate the NRC shipping address as the ship-to address on the commercial invoice accompanying the shipment (see agreement for shipping address)
- Indicate on all export customs documentation that the shipment is for temporary import for the purpose of calibration or repair and state the length of time that the shipment will be in Canada
- Use the depreciated (actual) value of the equipment in its current state as the declared customs value and not the new or the replacement value
- Ensure you're aware of all customs and importation requirements and fees as well any other charges that apply to your shipment by consulting these Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) resources:
Options for arranging shipping from outside Canada:
- A common carrier (for packages of accepted size, dimension and weight)
- A temporary admission carnet (ATA Carnet)
- An appropriate freight forwarder that can handle all shipping logistics, including customs clearance, or uses the services of a designated Canadian customs broker
Shipping through a common carrier (FedEx, UPS, DHL Express, etc.)
Ensure that the shipment complies with all Canadian customs and importation requirements (see Canada Border Services Agency guides above).
Steps:
- Request a power of attorney (POA) package from the carrier
- If you are not registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, register for a Business Number to become a non-resident importer:
- Apply for or use an existing CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system account to pay duties and taxes
- Have the carrier clear the shipment on your behalf under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Incoterms rules
NOTE: All fees, including freight, customs clearance services, duties and taxes, are billed to your carrier account number
Using an ATA Carnet, if eligible
You may be able to use an ATA Carnet as your internationally recognized customs document for the temporary importation of your instrument or standard.
To verify whether your country is eligible for an ATA Carnet and to view country-specific advisories, consult the ATA Carnet list. You can also refer to your country's chamber of commerce website for additional ATA Carnet information.
Note that only a freight forwarder can be used with an ATA Carnet.
To complete an ATA Carnet application online, consult the Canadian Chamber of Commerce ATA Carnet application page.
Shipping through a freight forwarder with a designated Canadian customs broker
If you are going to make arrangements with a freight forwarder in the country of origin, that freight forwarder must have a Canadian customs broker who can arrange for entry of your shipment and for transportation to the NRC.
The freight forwarder must also arrange for return transportation from the NRC to the port of exit.
Return shipment of international instruments
The NRC will repack the instruments and provide you with the weight and dimensions of the package. Wait for this information before making arrangements for the return.
For additional information about shipping requirements, send an email to the calibration measurement services business team at MSS-SMEBusiness-Affaires@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.