Toronto, Ontario — The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) have announced that as of February 3, 2024, lead wheel weights will no longer be able to be manufactured or imported into Canada.
The ban specifically affects wheel weights containing more than 0.1 percent lead by weight, except in accordance with a permit issued under the Regulations.
The aim of the ban is to help reduce the environmental and health impact of lead exposure, and these regulations align with measures taken in other sectors of the world such as the European Union, Japan and certain areas of the United States.
Even with this ban coming into effect in the new year, auto shops will still be able to use their lead wheel weights in order to flush out current inventories.
“To ensure uninterrupted service to your valued customers, we strongly recommend that you consider purchasing non-lead weights to augment your store inventory prior to the implementation of the ban,” AARO’s notice stated.
“This proactive measure will help guarantee that you possess the necessary inventory of various sizes to continue to service your customers’ needs.”
“Currently, the most prevalent material for wheel weights that balance a car’s tires is lead. Wheel weights frequently fall off the vehicle during normal operation, and they eventually wear down to lead dust,” it said.
“It is anticipated that the Canadian wheelweight market will continue to use lead in the absence of action. These regulations will prevent new wheel weights containing lead from entering the Canadian market, thereby progressively eliminating Canadian lead wheel weight stocks.”
