CanadaCanadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)
Canada Announces Ban On Toxic Sealants
Canada is banning coal tar and PAH-based sealants by 2025, with limited exceptions until 2028. The changes align with global regulatory trends and require manufacturers to transition to safer alternatives. Businesses should act now to ensure compliance and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
Published in March 2025. Dates, deadlines and stages may have changed since.
Dr Steven Brennan
2 min readAI-drafted, expert reviewed
The Canadian government has introduced new regulations prohibiting the manufacture, import, and sale of sealant products containing coal tars, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 2-butoxyethanol. Published under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), these rules will take effect between October 2025 and July 2028. The ban aims to reduce environmental contamination and protect public health.
New Regulatory Requirements
Coal Tar And PAH-Based Sealants Face Restrictions
From 1 October 2025, it will be illegal to manufacture or import sealant products containing coal tars or PAHs exceeding 1,000 ppm in Canada. Sales of these products will be prohibited from 31 December 2025, with a temporary exemption until 1 July 2028 for industrial uses such as metal, structural steel, and pipeline applications.
Limits On 2-Butoxyethanol In Cleaning Products
The regulations also impose concentration limits on 2-butoxyethanol, a solvent used in cleaning and paint products. Different product categories, including floor strippers, rug cleaners, and aerosol paints, must comply with specified concentration limits to minimise human exposure risks.
Impact On Manufacturers And The Supply Chain
Compliance Deadlines And Permit System
Manufacturers and importers must cease production and sales of affected products by the given deadlines unless they obtain a government permit. Permits will be granted only if no safer alternatives are technically or economically feasible.
Environmental And Health Implications
Coal tar-based sealants contain high levels of PAHs, known to cause cancer and environmental contamination. The move aligns with global trends, including EU REACH regulations and state-level bans in the U.S.. Businesses should identify substitute materials and prepare for market shifts.
What Should Industry Stakeholders Do Next?
Review product formulations and assess if current offerings comply with new limits.Seek alternative materials such as asphalt-based sealants or lower-toxicity chemicals.Apply for permits if no feasible substitutes exist, ensuring compliance by 2025.
Official source
gazette.gc.caTopics
Questions about this change
What sealant products are affected by the new Canadian regulations?
The ban applies to pavement, roofing, and industrial sealants containing coal tars or PAHs above 1,000 ppm. Additionally, cleaning and paint products with 2-butoxyethanol must adhere to new concentration limits.
How can manufacturers comply with the new toxic substance regulations?
Manufacturers should phase out affected sealants before the 2025 deadline, explore safer alternatives, and apply for a government permit if no viable substitutes exist. Compliance also includes record-keeping and labelling under CEPA.
Dr Steven Brennan
CEO and co-founder of Foresight, and a co-opted member of ECHA's Committee for Socio-economic Analysis. He holds a PhD in chemical engineering.
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