Engine Emissions Regulations For Importing Into Canada

CBSA’s SWI Updates Import Procedure

Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) focus for 2019 has been to start working inside of the Single Window Initiative (SWI). This is a major change from how importers previously dealt with CBSA. In the past, other Government Departments (OGDs) would require separate declarations for products under their influence. Depending on the product being imported, these declarations would either be submitted by the Customs Broker at the time of entry, or by the Importer before or after the importation. Under SWI, most submissions are now done electronically at the time of entry under the same transmission as the CBSA Entry Document.

Changes To Import Combustion Engines

In the case of combustion engines, in the past, Environment and Climate Control Canada (ECCC) would contact the importers and have them fill out a separate declaration providing the required information directly to the department. Unfortunately for ECCC, this resulted in rather haphazard reporting, as they would often have to contact Importers and request the information, which was not always done.

Unfortunately for Importers, this could also result in fines and/or forced re-export of non-conforming vehicles and engines for which they have already paid duties, taxes and other fees.

As of this year, Customs Brokers are now required to submit this information electronically at the time of Importation, which should reduce these instances in the future. If you need the services of a Customs Broker please contact Pacific Customs Brokers for expert advice on how to get your engine to its destination.

Information Required To Import Engines

The information required varies based on the type of engine. Diesel (compression ignition) and gas (internal combustion) engines have different requirements and this is further broken down by the intended use of the engine.

In most cases, vehicles being imported with their own engines installed do not require separate declarations for those engines.

There are, however, exceptions to this rule. If you are importing a truck or trailer with special equipment installed, such as a reefer unit or a tree chipper, extra information must be provided to CBSA, which they in turn forward to Environment Canada.

Note - This does not apply to Recreational Vehicles with Generators

Criteria For Engines To Be Admissible To Canada

In general, all other engines, such as those used in tractors, work vehicles, boats, lawnmowers, etcetera, are covered under the Regulations and must be reported.

The specific info required varies but below is a list of five criteria you must provide in order for the engine to be admissible into Canada.

1. Machine Manufacturer Name. (This is for engines which are installed in another machine, such as a boat, generator, etc.)
   
2. Engine Manufacturer Name.
   
3. Engine Make.
   
4. Engine Model.
   
5. Compliance

‍IMPORTANT: At least one of the following four compliance statements MUST be provided, as appropriate for the commodity. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that this information be accurate, as a misdeclaration could result in fines and/or being forced to send back the equipment.

• National Emissions Mark - The company (Importer) states that each engine, vessel or vehicle bears the National Emissions Mark.
• EPA Certified with concurrent Canada/USA sales. - The engine is EPA Certified and sold concurrently in Canada and the US. The Importer states that they are able to produce the evidence of conformity (i.e. the engine, vessels, or vehicles are covered by EPA Certificates of Conformity, are sold concurrently in Canada and the US, and bear the EPA Emission Control Information label.
• Canada Unique Engines Vessels or Vehicles - The Importer states that it has submitted the evidence of conformity to Environment Canada. (i.e. for engines not covered by an EPA Cert. or engines covered by an EPA Cert. that are not sold concurrently in Canada and the US.
• Incomplete Engines Vessels or Vehicles. - The Importer states that 1) they have a statement from the manufacturer of the engine that the engine, vessel or vehicle will, when completed in accordance with instructions provided by the manufacturer, conform to the prescribed standards and that 2) the engine will be completed in accordance with those instructions.
  

For further information on importing Gasoline or Diesel engines, please feel free to contact the experts at Pacific Customs Brokers to get you rolling across Customs.

List Of Canadian Emission Legislation And Regulations

Canadian Environment Protection Act, 1999

Division 5 An Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development.

Compliance and Enforcement Policy

On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations

The Regulations establish air pollutant emission standards for various classes of on-road vehicles and engines, including passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc. The Regulations apply to vehicles and engines manufactured after January 1, 2004.

Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations

The Regulations establish air pollutant emission standards for small spark-ignition engines rated up to 19 kW (25 hp). Small spark-ignition engines are typically gasoline-fuelled engines found in lawn and garden machines (hedge trimmers, brush cutters, lawnmowers, garden tractors, snowblowers, etc.), in light-duty industrial machines (generator sets, welders, pressure washers, etc.), and in light-duty logging machines (chainsaws, log splitters, shredders, etc.). The Regulations apply to 2005 and later model-year engines.

Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations

The Regulations establish air pollutant emission standards for diesel engines used in off-road applications such as those typically found in construction, mining, farming and forestry machines. The Regulations apply to engines of the 2006 and later model year.

Marine Spark-Ignition Engine, Vessel and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations

The Regulations establish air pollutant emission standards for marine spark-ignition outboard engines, personal watercraft, inboard engines, vessels, off-road motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles of the 2012 and later model years.

Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations

The Regulations establish greenhouse gas emission standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks of the 2011 and later model years.

Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations

The Regulations establish greenhouse gas emission standards for on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines of the 2014 and later model years.