Starting next year, the manufacture and sale of lead wheel weights in Canada will be severely curtailed. "Manufacturers and importers will have until Feb. 3, 2024, to transition to safer alternatives, such as steel," according to a recent statement from the Canadian government.
New regulations "prohibit the manufacture and import of wheel weights that contain more than 0.1% lead by weight.
"This prohibition does not apply in respect of the manufacture for export of wheel weights or the importation of wheel weights installed on vehicles. The regulations do not apply to the sale or offer for sale of wheel weights nor to their transit through Canada, regardless of their lead content."
In some circumstances, government officials "may issue a permit to a manufacturer or importer of wheel weights to allow a specific use or situation in Canada. The permit applicant will be required to demonstrate that, at the time of the application, there are no alternatives to manufacturing or importing wheel weights containing lead or the alternatives are not technically or economically feasible for the applicant."
The term of the permit must not exceed 24 months.
According to Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change, "We continue our work in protecting the health of Canadians and the environment from harmful substances. Our roadways and waterways cannot be accidental dumping grounds for commercial products containing lead. There are safe and affordable alternatives to lead wheel weights and it's time to make the switch."
