No. H 245/07
For release - December 19, 2007

IMPORTATION OF U.S. VEHICLES BY CANADIANS: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES AMENDMENT TO CLARIFY AND EASE IMPORTATION

OTTAWA — The Government of Canada has amended the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations to make it easier for Canadians to import vehicles from the United States built on or after September 1, 2007, that are already equipped with an electronic immobilization system or that can be fitted with one.

"Our government remains committed to ensuring the safety of Canadians on our roads and highways," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "This amendment clarifies the process for importing vehicles from the U.S. with respect to electronic anti-theft immobilization systems."

The amendment will also allow Transport Canada to immediately begin clearing the backlog of cases involving Canadians who recently purchased certain new U.S. models. These vehicles could not be imported because they were not certified by the manufacturer to meet the Canadian standard for anti-theft electronic immobilizers.

As of September 1, 2007, the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations require that all new cars, vans, light trucks and SUVs sold in Canada or imported into Canada be equipped with electronic anti-theft immobilizers meeting a defined Canadian standard.

Canada requires these systems in response to the public's desire to reduce auto theft and to protect innocent parties from injury and death that can result from car accidents caused by thieves. In addition, the insurance industry has brought forward evidence that mechanical immobilizers can be defeated using simple tools. Electronic anti-theft devices are more secure.

The amendment will offer more flexibility to Canadians wishing to import vehicles and will continue efforts to ensure safety on our roads.

This amendment will modify section 12 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations as it pertains to importing vehicles purchased in the U.S. The government's intention to introduce the amendment was first published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 1, 2007. Interested parties were given 15 days to comment. Final notice of adoption will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on December 26, 2007, at www.canadagazette.gc.ca.

While the provincial and territorial governments have jurisdiction over after-market additions to motor vehicles, Transport Canada develops standards and regulations for new vehicles manufactured or imported for use in Canada.

Before buying a vehicle in the U.S., Canadians should check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles about the rules and process for importing vehicles (www.riv.ca). Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles program verifies that new vehicles sold at the retail level in the U.S. and imported for use in Canada meet Canadian safety requirements. Imported vehicles may have to be modified to meet requirements for daytime running lights, child tether anchorage systems and anti-theft immobilization devices.

Questions about duties and taxes on imported goods, including vehicles, should be directed to the Canada Border Services Agency at 1-800-461-9999 (in Canada) or 1-506-636-5064 (outside Canada).

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