What are the rules/regulations for importing environmentally friendly cars into Canada?
The Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA), which regulates the manufacture and importation of motor vehicles, requires that all vehicles imported into Canada comply, at the time of importation, with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) in effect on the date the vehicle was manufactured. CMVSS publishes requirements that automotive manufacturers must meet to certify a vehicle for public road use in Canada – factors such as crashworthiness, roadworthiness, airbags, external lighting and seat belts. In addition, Environment Canada publishes emission standard requirements that must be met in order to import a vehicle. Requirements in Europe and Asia are different from those in Canada. Vehicles manufactured for sale in countries other than Canada and the United States may not comply with the requirements of the CMVSS. If they do not comply with the CMVSS, they cannot be altered to comply and therefore cannot be imported into Canada. Vehicles fifteen (15) years or older are the only
