Interim Order for 30-kg (65-lb) Rated Child
Restraint Systems in Canada |
TP14563
Consumer Information Notice
Child Restraint Systems
2007-C06 E |
On May 5, 2007, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, issued an Interim Order entitled “Order
Modifying the Operation of the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster
Cushions Safety Regulations and the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations”. This
Interim Order amends the definition of “child” to mean a person whose weight is
not less than 9 kg (20 lbs) and not more than 30 kg (65 lbs). Since a “child
restraint system” is a device that is designed to restrain a “child”, the
Interim Order effectively raises the maximum permissible weight use limit for
child restraint systems from 22 kg (48 lbs) to 30 kg (65 lbs). In addition, the
Interim Order introduces new test conditions, procedures and requirements for
these restraint systems.
The purpose of this Interim Order is to allow manufacturers and importers to
offer in Canada child restraint systems, which incorporate an internal harness
and a tether strap, designed for use by children weighing up to 30 kg (65 lbs).
This Interim Order responds to the large number of requests from members of the
public for these higher-capacity child restraint systems.
This Interim Order is effective from May 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008,
inclusive. During the period covered by this Interim Order, Transport Canada
will be proceeding to incorporate these changes into the regulations on a
permanent basis.
Transport Canada wishes to inform consumers that the availability of these
higher-capacity child restraint systems depends on the ability of manufacturers
to meet the Canadian demand by offering certified products bearing the National
Safety Mark (i.e., the prescribed label with the Canadian maple leaf).
Certification of compliance to the Canadian regulatory requirements is the
responsibility of the manufacturer or importer ("self-certification").
Transport Canada urges parents and caregivers to strictly follow both the
child restraint system’s and the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions with regard
to the respective weight capacities of the product or the vehicle anchorages
because, by attaching such capacities, the manufacturers effectively disclaim
responsibility for any failure beyond the stated capacities.
Consumers should also be aware of the fact that, throughout Canada, the
provincial and territorial legislations for mandatory use of child restraint
systems require that products be certified to the applicable Canada Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). Therefore, it is not advisable to purchase a
restraint system in the U.S., Europe or elsewhere for use in Canada because it
does not meet the applicable CMVSS requirements and it cannot be used legally in
any province or territory.
For product-specific questions, or to find out if a certain product is
available in Canada, please contact the manufacturer or importer. For more
information on this Interim Order, contact Transport Canada’s Road Safety
Information Centre at 1-800-333-0371 (toll-free in Canada).
Transport Canada: |
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1 800 333-0371 |
Release Date: |
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May 22, 2007 |
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