Transport Canada Proposes New Vehicle Security Mandates to Target Auto Theft
Transport Canada has published proposed regulatory changes that would introduce new vehicle security mandates, as part of the government’s efforts to combat auto theft in Canada.
Published on December 27, 2025, in the Canada Gazette, the proposal sets out updated security requirements that would apply to vehicles imported into Canada and to vehicles manufactured in one province and sold in another.
While the measures are not yet in force and remain subject to public consultation, they signal a shift toward tighter import controls that address vehicle theft risks earlier in the supply chain.
If adopted, the changes would affect commercial vehicle importers and other trade chain partners involved in manufacturing or importing vehicles into Canada.
The proposed amendments would update security-related requirements under the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR), specifically the vehicle theft-protection requirements set out in CMVSS 114.
The proposal is intended to update vehicle immobilization requirements to address current auto theft risks and strengthen theft prevention before vehicles enter the Canadian market.
It focuses on:
No important environmental or economic effects are anticipated as a result of this proposal.
Under the proposed changes, manufacturers and importers would have to ensure vehicles meet one of two updated technical standards to be eligible for sale in Canada:
Updated from CAN/ULC 1998, this is the newest North American standard that includes testing for electronic attack tools.
It will add a new category that manufacturers may use to test vehicle immobilization systems.
This is the latest international standard that aligns Canadian imports with global markets.
It will set out requirements for immobilization systems to prevent attackers using advanced attack tools from easily disabling them.
The proposal would repeal references to the outdated UN Regulations (No. 97 and No. 116) and the older compliance options set out in subsections (8) to (21) of CMVSS 114.
Businesses currently relying on older standards would need to transition to the updated equivalents to maintain eligibility for sale in Canada.
According to the proposal, this will require updating compliance records and documentation for existing vehicle models.
Physical manufacturing changes are not expected, as it is anticipated that manufacturers are already surpassing the standards.
Transport Canada has proposed a two-year transition period for mandatory vehicle security compliance once the amendments come into force.
The proposal is currently open for an 80-day public consultation period, ending on March 12, 2026.
During this period, vehicle importers are encouraged to review the proposed vehicle security mandates and submit feedback on the scope and timing of the changes.
At Cole International, we offer customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses navigate regulatory requirements and streamline their imports.
To discuss the impact of the proposed vehicle security mandates on your business, reach out to one of our trade professionals.