OTTAWA – April 2, 2008 � The Government of Canada has proposed an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) to harmonize the Canadian bumper standard for passenger cars with similar safety standards from the United States and Europe.
The proposed amendment would result in one set of globally regulated test speed requirements for the design of bumpers. This would simplify the bumper design for vehicles destined for the North American and European markets.
“This proposed amendment would offer more choice to Canadians who wish to import vehicles,” said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “At the same time, it would help to maintain the safety of Canadian roads.”
This proposed change is consistent with the spirit of the Canada-U.S. Security and Prosperity Partnership to reduce regulatory differences and facilitate international trade while maintaining high levels of safety.
While the provincial and territorial governments have jurisdiction for road use and after-market additions to motor vehicles, Transport Canada develops safety standards and regulations for new vehicles and vehicles imported for use in Canada. However, before buying a vehicle in the U.S., Canadians should check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) about the rules and process for importing vehicles (www.riv.ca).
The proposed amendment was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 22, 2008. Canadians have 30 days in which to review the proposed amendment and respond to it. The Government of Canada would then review the comments in order to develop a final amendment for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
