The following is provided by Natural Resources Canada.
This is to inform you that NRCan updated its Forward Regulatory Plan to signal minor changes to the products included in our next amendment(s) and to provide more details about our plans regarding the use of the new authorities (Ministerial regulations and Technical Standards Documents).
Notice about upcoming plans for Ministerial Regulations
Please note that NRCan intends to move forward using Ministerial Regulations authority to maintain harmonization with recent and upcoming minor and administrative changes to U.S. requirements for the following products:
- Ceiling Fan Light Kits– update the testing standard reference and certain product definitions
- Microwave ovens– update the title of the testing standard to match the new U.S. testing standard
- Metal halide lamp ballasts and Icemakers (automatic commercial) – incorporate current U.S. CFR testing standards, as amended from time to time, as an alternative testing standard
While it is common practice to publish proposed regulatory amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, we are considering skipping pre-publication for these products because the proposed changes are administrative in nature and publishing directly in the Canada Gazette, Part II at the earliest opportunity would allow for a faster regulatory process, ensure that harmonization is maintained, and avoid or reduce potential trade impacts. Our analysis supports skipping pre-publication given that the changes considered for these products:
- Would not impact consumers or end-users;
- Would not change energy efficiency standards or impose new requirements;
- Would ensure that testing standards remain aligned with the United States; and
- Would not produce new costs or benefits that have not been captured by previous amendments to the Energy Efficiency Regulations.
Notice about upcoming plans for Technical Standards Documents
The Forward Regulatory Plan has been updated to specify which products have been selected to pilot the Technical Standards Documents new authority. You will have the opportunity to view the documents and comment on the content and approach when the next amendment is published in Canada Gazette, Part I.
Should you have any concerns with the path forward for any of the above-mentioned products, we welcome your input before November 10th, 2023 at equipment-equipement@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
More information about the process can be found on the Regulatory Process webpage, as well as in the Forward Regulatory Plan.