Government seeks comments from industry on proposed regulations to prohibit the manufacture and import of lead wheel weights in Canada

Proposed regulations

The Government of Canada recently proposed regulations that would prohibit the manufacture of wheel weights that contain more than 0.1% by weight of lead for domestic sale. The importation of these weights would also be prohibited. The proposed Regulations would not apply to the sale of existing stock, the manufacture for export, or to the transit of lead wheel weights through Canada.

The regulations seek to limit the harm to the environment and human health caused by lead dust.

Impact on the aftermarket

By prohibiting the manufacture and import of lead wheel weights destined for the Canadian market, the expectation is that the available stock will be progressively reduced and eventually eliminated. Because lead wheel weights are not installed in new vehicles, and are not used on or sold for OEM aftermarket products, the proposed regulations will have the greatest impact on businesses along the aftermarket supply chain. The aftermarket will need to transition to alternatives to lead wheel weights. Steel and zinc are the main alternatives, with steel expected to be the primary replacement over other alternatives.

Government estimates that the costs of using non-lead replacements could range from $0.01 to $0.07 per wheel weight when comparing lead wheel weights to steel or zinc ones. It is anticipated that the cost will decline over time as alternatives become more widely available and their supply increases.

The proposed regulations would come into force twelve months after the day they are registered.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change seeks industry’s participation in a consultation on the proposed regulations.

The consultation closes on September 11, 2021.

New and improved consultation process

The federal government recently made changes to its consultation process. You are now able to review the proposed regulations and provide comments online all in one spot. To add a comment on any section, participants just click on an “Add comments…” drop box. Before submitting, you have to answer a few questions including your name, email address and country. All comments will be posted online after the comment period closes. Those who post as individuals will be identified only as individuals, those who post anonymously will be identified as anonymous and organizations will be identified with their organization name.

Click here to read the proposed regulations and to input comments.