Marine Spark-Ignition Engine and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations - Cover letter

To: Importers of outboard engines, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, and to trade associations that represent these importers

Re: Preliminary Consultation on a Discussion Document on planned Marine Spark-Ignition Engine and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations

This letter is to draw attention to a discussion document describing planned emission regulations for outboard engines, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Comments are requested towards preparation of a formal regulatory proposal in the Canada Gazette, Part I, planned for this winter.

The Regulations under Part 7, Division 5 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) will apply to manufacturers and importers of 2007 and later model year vehicles or engines. The standards will align with corresponding United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) rules for Marine Spark-Ignition Engines and Off-Road Recreational Engines and Vehicles (Part 91 and Part 1051 of Title 40 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations respectively).

Importers will be required to demonstrate conformity with the Canadian standards prior to importation. In the case of vehicles and engines sold both in Canada and the United States and covered by a valid U.S. EPA certificate of conformity, they will be eligible for importation with a declaration at the border.

The Regulations will require manufacturers and importers to provide information on compliance with the emission standards and to submit specific records upon request. Other provisions include information to be marked on the vehicle or engine, a statement of compliance at the time of importation, providing emission-related maintenance instructions and providing notice of defect in the event of an emission defect being identified.

The discussion document is available for electronic retrieval. Please contact Mr. Morrie Kirshenblatt at 819-953-0914 (offroad_comments@ec.gc.ca) if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Ross M. White
Director
Transportation Systems Branch
Environment Canada
351 St-Joseph Blvd
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3