Service standards for CA Identification Number applications

CA Identification Number

The CA Identification Number is a five digit identification number preceded by the letters CA (ex: CA00000).

You can apply for a CA Identification Number if you are:

  • A Canadian manufacturer of a textile fibre product;
  • A Canadian processor of a textile fibre product;
  • A Canadian finisher of a textile fibre product; or
  • A Canadian engaged in the business of importing or selling any textile fibre product.

It is not required to have a CA Identification Number but it may be used in place of a name and address on the label of textile articles.

If you do not fall within the above-mentioned categories, you must label consumer textile articles with your business name and address. See the Textile Labelling Act, Regulations and Guide for more details.

You may consult the Frequently Asked Questions for more information on CA Identification Numbers.

Service Standard

The service standards in the table below are designed to provide timely and predictable processing periods for those who submit an application for a CA Identification Number.

Processing times
Service Service Standard Performance target
Online Application
(use of web form and credit card payments)

5 Business days

90% of complete applications are processed
within announced processing times
Application by Mail
(sent by mail with cheque or money order included)

20 Business days (includes validation of payment)

Performance target

The performance target for this service standard is 90% of completed applications that are processed within the advertised processing times.

Applying for CA Identification Number

You may apply for a CA Identification Number though the Competition Bureau’s online form or by mail.

Service feedback

Complaints regarding services and regulatory processes for which fees and service standards apply can be directed to the Executive Director, Corporate Services Branch. The Executive Director will examine the matter and will provide a response to the complainant.

Contact information for the Executive Director, Corporate Services Branch, is:

Mario Mainville
Executive Director, Corporate Service Branch
Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0C9

Phone: 819-997-3763
Email: Mario.Mainville@cb-bc.gc.ca
Facsimile: 819-953-1877

All complaints will be handled in the strictest confidence.