In Canada Gazette Part II Vol.154 December 4, 2020, the Off-road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations is published. This regulatory initiative will affect Canadians and businesses that import large spark-ignition and stationary compression-ignition engines.
The Off-road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations will reduce air pollutant emissions from off-road engines and create a level playing field in the Canada–U.S. market for importers and manufacturers of these engines.
compression-ignition engine means an engine that operates as a reciprocating internal combustion engine other than an engine that operates under characteristics significantly similar to the theoretical Otto combustion cycle or uses a spark plug or other sparking device.
large spark-ignition engine means an engine that
- (a) operates under characteristics significantly similar to the theoretical Otto combustion cycle;
- (b) uses a spark plug or other sparking device; and
- (c) develops more than 19 kW of power measured at the crankshaft, or its equivalent, when equipped only with standard accessories that are necessary for its operation.
In addition to maintaining the current standards for compression-ignition engines, the new regulation will reduce air pollutant emissions from large spark-ignition (gasoline, propane and natural gas) engines and stationary compression-ignition (generally diesel-fueled) engines by establishing emission standards and test procedures that are aligned with those of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The Regulations will introduce new emission standards and requirements in alignment with the U.S. EPA’s standards for LSI and SCI engines. These standards include limits for NOx, HC, CO and, in the case of SCI engines, PM. The previous Regulations will be repealed and replaced by the Regulations, and while the standards for MCI engines will not be changed, new administrative and compliance flexibilities will be introduced.
In addition, the Regulations will address SJCSR concerns regarding clarity and inconsistency and introduce minor consequential amendments to other vehicle and engine emission regulations.
Reporting requirements for MCI, LSI and SCI engines
The Regulations will introduce the option to fulfill import declaration requirements via the Single Window Initiative of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and service providers that are qualified by the CBSA to transmit Integrated Import Declarations (IIDs). The IID integrates the Department’s declaration with data submissions required by the CBSA and other government programs. When an IID is submitted, the Department receives applicable data elements for review and retention. Therefore, importers who choose to use the IID are not required to submit separate import declarations to the Minister.
In addition, companies that import 50 or more LSI, SCI and MCI engines in a calendar year are permitted to submit a single import declaration to the Minister for each year in which they import engines. Companies that import fewer than 50 engines in a calendar year are required to submit a declaration to the Minister for each shipment of engines prior to their importation. Under the Regulations, a person who is not a company that imports fewer than 10 engines in a year is not required to submit an import declaration.
The Regulations will also include record keeping and several other administrative provisions necessary to administer and enforce compliance with the regulatory requirements, similar to what was required under the previous Regulations. These provisions include the following:
- A national emissions mark is required on engines manufactured in Canada. A company must be authorized by the Minister to apply the mark;
- Companies are required to provide emission-related maintenance instructions;
- Companies must be able to produce evidence of conformity;
- Engines to be installed in machines in Canada must be accompanied by instructions for installing the engine and emission control system;
- A notice of defect must be given by the company to the Minister and each current owner of the affected products if there is a defect in the design, construction or functioning of the engine that affects or is likely to affect its compliance with a prescribed standard; and
- Companies that wish to import non-compliant engines exclusively for the purposes of demonstration, exhibition, evaluation or testing must submit a declaration to the Minister under paragraph 155(1)(a) of CEPA.
Additional information may be obtained using the contacts below.
Stéphane Couroux (off-road mobile compression-ignition and large spark-ignition engines)
Director, Transportation Division
Telephone: 819-420-8020
Fax: 819-938-4179
Email: ec.apregdevinfo-infodevregpa.ec@canada.ca
Magda Little (stationary compression-ignition engines)
A/Director, Electricity and Combustion Division
Telephone: 819-938-4213
Email: magda.little@canada.ca