The Department of the Environment has issued a formal notice under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), detailing new mandatory reporting requirements for entities involved with plastic resins and certain plastic products as part of the Federal Plastics Registry. This notice addresses the need for detailed information for the years 2024 through 2026 to support environmental research and policy development.
Scope and Applicability
This directive applies to a wide range of participants in the plastics industry, including manufacturers, importers, and marketers of specified plastic resins and products. It specifies that information must be submitted for each calendar year by the deadlines set for 29 September of the following year (2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively).
Entities are required to submit their data through an online Federal Plastics Registry portal. The comprehensive details required include types and quantities of plastics handled, operational data, and compliance with environmental standards. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to penalties under CEPA.
Retention and Confidentiality
Submitters must retain documentation and data supporting their reports for a period of three years post-submission. They also have the option to request confidentiality for sensitive information, although the final decision rests with the Minister of the Environment, who may still disclose information under specific conditions laid out by the act.
Resins and Products Covered
The notice specifies a detailed list of plastic resins, such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), along with products ranging from electronic devices to apparel and packaging materials. The comprehensive list aims to encompass a wide array of products circulating in the Canadian market.
Here's the list of plastic resins and products that are subject to the new reporting requirements:
Plastic Resins
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Resins
- Other Thermoplastic Polyester Resins
- Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) Resins
- Linear Low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Resins
- High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins
- Other Polyethylene Resins
- Polystyrene (PS) Resins
- Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) Resins
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Resins
- Polypropylene (PP) Resins
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Resins
- Polyamide (PA, Nylon) Resins
- All Other Thermoplastic Resins, n.e.c.
- Bio-based Thermoplastic Resins
- Petroleum-based Biodegradable Thermoplastic Resins
- Phenolic (PF) Resins
- Urea Formaldehyde (UF) Resins
- All Other Formaldehyde-based Resins
- Thermosetting Unsaturated Polyester (UPR) Resins
- Thermosetting Polyurethane (PU) Resins
- Other Thermosetting Resins, n.e.c.
- Bio-based Thermoset Resins
- Petroleum-based Biodegradable Thermoset Resins
Plastic Products
- Packaging Materials: Including beverage containers, food contact materials, hazardous materials packaging, and other packaging types.
- Electronic and Electrical Equipment: Covering a broad range of consumer electronics and appliances.
- Transportation Components: Including parts for various types of vehicles and transport equipment.
- Construction Materials: Such as windows, doors, films, sheeting, and insulation materials.
- Agricultural and Horticultural Supplies: Including containers, film, and sheeting used in farming and gardening.
- Fishing and Aquaculture Gear: Like nets, lines, and traps.
- Apparel and Textile Products: Encompassing clothing and other textile-based goods.
- Single-use or Disposable Products: Such as food service ware, personal hygiene products, and novelty items.
