TP 14563
Consumer Information Notice
Child Restraint Systems
2007-C06 E
On May 5, 2007, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, issued an Interim Order entitled "Order Modifying the Operation of the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Cushions Safety Regulations and the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations". This Interim Order amends the definition of "child" to mean a person whose weight is not less than 9 kg (20 lbs) and not more than 30 kg (65 lbs). Since a "child restraint system" is a device that is designed to restrain a "child", the Interim Order effectively raises the maximum permissible weight use limit for child restraint systems from 22 kg (48 lbs) to 30 kg (65 lbs). In addition, the Interim Order introduces new test conditions, procedures and requirements for these restraint systems.
The purpose of this Interim Order is to allow manufacturers and importers to offer in Canada child restraint systems, which incorporate an internal harness and a tether strap, designed for use by children weighing up to 30 kg (65 lbs). This Interim Order responds to the large number of requests from members of the public for these higher-capacity child restraint systems.
This Interim Order is effective from May 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008, inclusive. During the period covered by this Interim Order, Transport Canada will be proceeding to incorporate these changes into the regulations on a permanent basis.
Transport Canada wishes to inform consumers that the availability of these higher-capacity child restraint systems depends on the ability of manufacturers to meet the Canadian demand by offering certified products bearing the National Safety Mark (i.e., the prescribed label with the Canadian maple leaf). Certification of compliance to the Canadian regulatory requirements is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer ("self-certification").
Transport Canada urges parents and caregivers to strictly follow both the child restraint system's and the vehicle manufacturer's instructions with regard to the respective weight capacities of the product or the vehicle anchorages because, by attaching such capacities, the manufacturers effectively disclaim responsibility for any failure beyond the stated capacities.
Consumers should also be aware of the fact that, throughout Canada, the provincial and territorial legislations for mandatory use of child restraint systems require that products be certified to the applicable Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). Therefore, it is not advisable to purchase a restraint system in the U.S., Europe or elsewhere for use in Canada because it does not meet the applicable CMVSS requirements and it cannot be used legally in any province or territory.
For product-specific questions, or to find out if a certain product is available in Canada, please contact the manufacturer or importer. For more information on this Interim Order, contact Transport Canada's Road Safety Information Centre at 1-800-333-0371 (toll-free in Canada).
Transport Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Release Date: May 22, 2007