2026-27 CNSC Cost Recovery Fees Schedule; Formula and Fixed Fees

Effective April 1, 2026

The fees schedule provided in this document relates to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Cost Recovery Fees Regulations.

The fees structure reflects the characteristics of the different types of licences issued, the regulations to which they are subject, and the CNSC cost of regulating the licences. The primary focus of the CNSC’s fee-setting process and structure is to directly link the fees to be charged to the costs of regulatory activities required for the issuance and maintenance of licences and certificates and to recover the full costs of these activities.

The schedule outlines the following:

• Formula Fees
• Fixed fees for certificates and transportation licences

To meet Service Fees Act (SFA) requirements, fixed fees are changing and increasing annually, starting April 1, 2021, by a predetermined amount based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Additional information

How base and variable hours are calculated

Base hours are the minimum amount of time required to conduct ongoing regulatory oversight for a specific licence type.

Variable hours are a calculation of hours based primarily on the number of locations operated by a licensee, along with the number of devices covered under the licence.

How licensing fees are used

The fees cover licensing and compliance activities that the CNSC carries out to ensure the safe conduct of licensee activities, including possession, use, transfer and storage of nuclear substances and radiation devices. Specific CNSC activities include:

• inspections and enforcement activities
• in-depth technical assessment of safety programs at licence renewal
• licence amendments
• response to unplanned events

Fees for licensees and use type

The exact fees differ for each licensee and depend on variables such as number of locations and number of devices/equipment.

Review of effort associated with use types

The CNSC will be increasing the hours associated with the formula fee for 2026-27 for a select number of use types. For the following year, the CNSC will review its level of effort needed to deliver on its regulatory activities and will make adjustments accordingly.

Recourse mechanisms for disputes

You can consult the Dispute Resolution Mechanism for Fee Administration or the Dispute Resolution Mechanism for Regulatory Activity Assignments if you have any concerns.

You can also send an email to receivables-recevables@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or contact the CNSC at 1‑888‑229‑2672.