Just spotted this on another Canadian forum:
Import Car Laws To jump From 15 to 25 years???
So by now you may have heard the Buzz about the Vehicle import law being pushed to 25 years, here is a post from another forum:Please help keep our passion alive!
It has been rumoured for months, and now we have confirmation from Transport Canada. There is very real activity on their behalf to change our existing import laws from the current 15 year exemption to 25 years “to bring it in harmony” with similar laws in other countries. The expected timeframe for all this to occur is spring, 2007.If you want to protect our current exemption and enjoy your right to bring in fine collectible vehicles like the Nissan Skyline, Lancer Evolution, please do your part and contact your local MP to voice your concern! No noise=no change.
To empower you with the most up to date info on what is happening, please visit our Legalese forum. As well, I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO JOIN THE IMPORTED VEHICLE OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA at www.ivoac.ca. Join the fight to keep what’s right
Second Half:
Transport Canada has decided to stop the importation of used vehicles from Japan. Currently, there are 25,000 used vehicles in Canada that have been imported from a country other than the US, and we are currently importing 250 vehicles a month into BC to be sold for private use, and about 6-8 times that many per month across Canada. The numbers are not staggering but are substantial enough to provide employment at many dealerships that specialize in importation of these highly desirable cars. 15 years ago, the Japanese auto industry went through a leap of quality and performance in the design and production of their cars, and now, we have access to these cars. That appears to be only for a limited time.
In the spring of 2007, Transport Canada is going to put a stop to this.We really need public support as hundreds of people are going to find their line of employment severed with absolutely no recourse.
The issue is misguided, these cars are no different than the 15 years old cars that roll on today’s streets across Canada and all have to pass safety regulations, which current 15 years old domestic cars are not required to pass. When (editted)[The official below] made mention below of the increase in these cars being imported, he is stating this out of protection to big business.
The only reason that people are bringing in so many used cars now, is that they are excellent quality vehicles that are very desirable and pass our safety regulations.Banning them until they are 25 years of age just delays matters.
The text below is in reverse chronological order, with the latest news at the top.
Please feel free to call me at anytime, we could really use your help in publicizing this issueRecent Updates And Developments:
From: (editted[Transport Canada employee] [mailto:XXXXXX@tc.gc.ca]
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007
To: XXXXXXX@shaw.ca
Subject: RE: CCMTA Website - Contact Us pageSir,
As mentioned by Mr. Claude Roy, consultations are part of the rulemaking process in the Federal government. The government has consulted with the CCMTA, which represents the provinces, territories and Federal Government.
Transport Canada is now preparing documentation to change the 15 year rule to 25 years, which will be submitted for ministerial approval. The anticipated timeframe for submission of the documentation to the minister’s office is spring 2007. Once the minister signs off on the proposal, the proposed amendment will be sent to Treasury Board for review and Privy Council for approval. Subsequently, publication of the draft amendment will appear in the Canada Gazette Part 1, and a 75 day comment period will be given so that the public can provide comments. Information on how to submit comments will be included in the publication. Comments would then be addressed prior to passing any legislation and publishing in the Canada Gazette Part 11. Publishing in the Canada Gazette Part 1 is anticipated this year, and could also be as early as the spring.
In regards to the 15 year rule, it was originally implemented to allow an exemption for the importation of collectible vehicles for hobby and occasional use. At that time, as most of the vehicles 15 years old and older being imported were typically collectors items, 15 years was considered to be an acceptable age limit for exemption. As the number of 15 year old vehicles being imported for every day use has increased, the government along with the CCMTA no longer consider 15 years to be adequate.
I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, they can be forwarded directly to me.
Regards,
[Name removed], P.Eng.,
Standards and Regulations Division
