Forward Regulatory Plan 2024 to 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), chapter 2

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 the federal government must be notified immediately upon the release or likely release of a regulated substance. The Release and Environmental Emergency Notification Regulations designate, for the regulated community and the public, the names and telephone numbers of organizations providing 24-hour emergency notification service.

The Department has concluded a regulatory review in consultation with the public, provinces, territories, and partner departments under the Stock Review Plan. The review determined that the notification regulations be amended to address outdated terms and references, to make the regulations more flexible for easy updates, and to allow for alternative notification formats.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan. ECCC completed the regulatory review in December 2022.

The regulatory review was conducted in conjunction with the Deposit Out of the Normal Course of Events Notification Regulations.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The Federal-Provincial/Territorial Environmental Occurrences Notification Agreements related to these regulations were renewed and signed in 2023.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

No impacts on Canadians or business as a result of proposed amendments to the regulations.

Consultations

Under the Regulatory Stock Review Plan, the Department consulted with the public, provinces, territories, and federal partners in fall 2022 and it was recommended that the notification regulations be amended.

Proposed amendments are targeted for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in spring 2025 for a 60-day public comment period.

Further information

Additional information may be obtained using the contact below.

ECCC contact

Melanie Melo
Director, Environmental Emergencies Division
Telephone: 819-635-5074
Email: melanie.melo@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2016-2018 Forward Regulatory Plan (Update)

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The phosphorus limits in the existing Concentration of Phosphorus in Certain Cleaning Products Regulations do not apply to household cleaners marketed exclusively as metal cleaners or degreasing compounds. The regulations need to be amended to clarify this.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative is a clarification of the existing regulatory requirements and linkages with other regulatory initiatives are not expected.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Potential impacts of this regulatory initiative will be addressed and evaluated as consultations progress.

Consultations

ECCC proposed an amendment to clarify that the phosphorus concentration limits in the regulations only apply to products used exclusively for metal cleaning and degreasing as part of a series of amendments that relate to World Trade Organization requirements and laboratory accreditation. Following stakeholder feedback, ECCC decided to defer the metal cleaner and degreaser amendment to allow for additional consultations on this issue.

A consultation document was published on January 10, 2017 for a 30-day public comment period.

The proposed amendment was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on March 31, 2018, for a 75-day public comment period. Further consultations with implicated stakeholders on the metal cleaner and degreaser amendment took place in 2019 and will continue.

For regulatory transparency, re-publication of the proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is targeted for 2025.

Further information

Further information on this regulatory initiative can be obtained by emailing products.produits@ec.gc.ca.

ECCC contact

Matt LeBrun
Director, Chemical Production and Products Division
Telephone: 819-938-4483
Email: matt.lebrun@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2012-2014 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The Products Containing Mercury Regulations (the regulations) have been in effect since November 8, 2015. They prohibit the manufacture and import of products containing mercury or any of its compounds, with some exemptions.

Minor changes must be made to three product categories exempted from the regulations to fully align them with the requirements of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury.

Other amendments are proposed to align with recent industry standards and international regulatory initiatives for mercury-containing products, to improve certain administrative aspects of the regulations, and to remove or add end dates for some exemptions in the regulations, such as compact fluorescent lamps.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is not associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative aims to align Canada with the requirements of the Minamata Convention on Mercury for mercury-containing products and other international initiatives where possible.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

This initiative will increase the environmental and health benefits of the regulations by further reducing mercury in products in Canada. These amendments will align further with international initiatives. Some importers and manufacturers of mercury-containing products that will be prohibited may be impacted. These impacts will be minimal since mercury-free options are available.

Consultations

A consultation document outlining the regulatory proposal was published on February 1, 2018, for a 60-day comment period.

The proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 24, 2022, for a 75-day public comment period.

The Department is targeting publication of the final regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in spring 2024.

Further information

Further information is available through the CEPA Registry – Products Containing Mercury Regulations.

ECCC contact

Matt LeBrun
Director, Chemical Production and Products Division
Telephone: 819-938-4483
Email: matt.lebrun@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2018-2020 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The objective of the regulations is to protect environmental and human health in Canada from the risks posed by multiple toxic substances in different products, under a single regulatory instrument. The final regulations are designed to allow for the future management of other toxic substances listed under Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA).

The first products containing toxic substances to be covered under the final regulations include:

1. Certain sealant products containing coal tars and their distillates
2. Certain sealant products containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) whose total concentration exceeds 1,000 parts per million
3. Certain cleaners, paints, paint strippers and solvents containing 2-butoxyethanol

The 2-Butoxyethanol Regulations, under which 2-butoxyethanol is currently regulated, will be repealed and amalgamated under the final regulations without any substantive changes.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is not associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

There are no international or domestic agreements or cooperation initiatives related to coal tar-based sealant products or sealant products containing PAH levels above 1,000 ppm. However, regulatory initiatives targeting the use of sealant products containing coal tars and high PAH levels were initiated in the United States and in the European Union. The proposed regulations will aim to align with these international initiatives, where possible.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The final regulations are expected to protect human health and the environment by eliminating further releases and exposure from refined coal tar-based sealant products.

There may be some business impacts for the importers and manufacturers of these products. However, these impacts are expected to be minimal, since alternatives to coal tar-based products and sealant containing high PAHs concentration are widely available.

Consultations

A consultation document on proposed regulatory measures for coal tar-based sealant products was published in December 2021 for a 60-day public comment period to provide stakeholders an opportunity to submit input on the proposal. A complementary consultation document was published in August 2022, for a 60-day public comment period, to solicit feedback on elements of a proposed regulatory approach for PAHs in sealant products.

The proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on November 18, 2023, for a 70-day public comment period. The publication of the final regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, is targeted for winter 2025.

Further information

Further information is available through the CEPA Registry.

ECCC contact

Matt LeBrun
Director, Chemical Production and Products Division
Telephone: 819-938-4483
Email: matt.lebrun@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2021-2023 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

This initiative would further restrict the manufacture, use, sale, and import of perfluorooctane sulfonate, its salts and its precursors (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid, its salts and its precursors (PFOA), long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, their salts and their precursors (LC-PFCAs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and products containing them, by removing or providing time limits for most remaining exemptions. It would also prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, and import of Dechlorane plus (DP) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and products containing them, with exemptions.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative responds to an outstanding issue raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations (SJCSR). The SJCSR sent a letter on October 19, 2017, and a follow-up letter on April 22, 2021. The SJCSR is seeking clarification regarding the reference to two regulations that have been repealed (transitional clause in sections 16 and 27).

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is not associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative is aligned, to the extent applicable, with the objectives of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the objective of which is to protect human health and the environment from POPs, and the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

For some of the substances, there may be business impacts affecting various sectors and supply chains, including plastic and rubber materials, electrical and electronic equipment, adhesives and sealants, automotive, aircraft, transportation, firefighting operations, construction machinery, and recycling. This initiative may also impact chemical manufacturers, users, and distributors.

Consultations

A Notice of intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on October 13, 2018, for a 30-day public comment period.

A consultation document describing the proposed regulatory approach was published on the CEPA Registry on December 20, 2018, for a 60-day public comment period.

The proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on May 14, 2022 for a 75-day public comment period. The publication of the final Regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, is targeted for summer 2024, at the earliest.

Further information

For additional information on this initiative, please visit: Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012: overview or contact interdiction-prohibition@ec.gc.ca.

ECCC contact

Maya Berci
Executive Director, Chemicals Management Division
Telephone: 613-614-3811
Email: Maya.Berci@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2019-2021 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The 2009 Chromium Electroplating, Chromium Anodizing and Reverse Etching Regulations control air releases of hexavalent chromium compounds from regulated activities.

The proposed amendments would reduce regulated release limits, harmonize requirements with other jurisdictions, and update and clarify regulatory requirements.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The provinces and territories are engaged in developing proposed amendments in an effort towards domestic regulatory cooperation and improved alignment domestically and internationally.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed amendments are expected to result in reduced air releases of hexavalent chromium compounds. Most affected stakeholders are small and medium-sized enterprises from the metal finishing sector (that is, chromium electroplating, chromium anodizing, and reverse etching). Impacts may include a need to become familiar and comply with updated requirements, including lower release limits and amended reporting requirements. Investments may be required with respect to equipment or fume suppressants for emission controls as well as emissions monitoring.

Consultations

Consultations on proposed amendments to the regulations took place in 2014 and in 2017. On April 1, 2020, the regulations were amended to address some of the proposals. In October 2022, a discussion document to solicit feedback on the remaining proposed amendments as well as additional proposals was published for a 60-day comment period. Information sessions were held in November 2022 and follow-up sessions to communicate feedback received were held in June 2023.

The proposed amendments are targeted for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in 2024, for a 60-day public comment period.

Further information

For more information, refer to the current regulations or see the CEPA Registry.

ECCC contact

Matt Lebrun
Director, Chemical Production and Products Division
Telephone: 343-571-1734
Email: matt.lebrun@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2021-2023 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

Amendments to the Export Control List (ECL) will add several substances for which the use is being prohibited or further restricted in Canada under the proposed amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2024. One pesticide will also be added to the ECL pursuant to a regulatory action under the Pest Control Products Act, which prohibited its use in December 2021.

Other changes to the ECL will reflect the outcomes of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (Rotterdam Convention), the objective of which is to promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among Parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from potential harm and to contribute to their environmentally sound use, and align the description of certain listings with domestic risk management instruments and international agreements, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Stockholm Convention), the objective of which is to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is not associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative is aligned, to the extent applicable, with the objectives of the Rotterdam Convention and the Stockholm Convention.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

For some of the substances, there may be administrative impacts affecting various sectors including plastic and rubber materials, electrical and electronic equipment, adhesives and sealants, automotive, aircraft, and transportation.

Consultations

A consultation document describing the proposed regulatory approach was published on the CEPA Registry on March 12, 2020, for a 30-day public comment period which ended on May 22, 2020.

The proposed order was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on May 14, 2022, for a 75-day comment period. The publication of the final Order in the Canada Gazette, Part II, is targeted for summer 2024, at the earliest.

Further information

Further information is available through the CEPA Registry.

ECCC contact

Matt Lebrun
Director, Chemical Production and Products Division
Telephone: 343-571-1734
Email: matt.lebrun@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2021-2023 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The PCB Regulations (the regulations) came into force in 2008. They include requirements for ending the use of PCBs by December 2025 and limiting the period of time that PCBs can be stored prior to their destruction. ECCC has identified the need for amendments to the Regulations to address issues that were not foreseen at the time of publication or subsequent amendments.

The final amendments will provide flexibility for the use and storage of PCB-containing equipment for targeted situations including equipment located in radioactive areas, equipment at facilities slated to close shortly after 2025, military equipment where no PCB-free alternative is available and in museum artefacts.

The final amendments will also clarify that mixing PCB oil with non-PCB oil for the purposes of reducing its concentration is not allowed, and that laboratory tests are not required if the PCB concentration is already known by other means.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is not associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative does not require regulatory cooperation efforts.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

It is expected that the final amendments will result in a net benefit to Canadians, through a one-time cost savings where equipment would not need to be replaced, the reduction of compliance loopholes around mixing of PCB oil with non-PCB oil, reducing risks to health and safety of workers at nuclear facilities, the preservation of objects of historical value, and the maintenance of the Department of National Defence’s operational capacity.

Consultations

Stakeholder pre-consultation was undertaken via a discussion document that was published on September 24, 2020, for a 60-day consultation period.

The proposed regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 23, 2023, for a 60-day public comment period.

The Department is targeting publication of final amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in 2024.

Further information

Additional information may be obtained at pcbprogram@ec.gc.ca.

ECCC contact

Astrid Télasco
Director, Waste Reduction and Management Division
Telephone: 819-938-4478
Email: astrid.telasco@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2021-2023 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed regulations would set minimum recycled content requirements for certain plastic products. These regulations would also prohibit the use of the chasing-arrows symbol and other recyclability claims on plastic packaging and single-use plastic items unless 80 percent of Canadians have access to recycling systems that accept these plastic items, which are then reliably sorted and re-processed for use in new products. In addition, new rules would be introduced to regulate the use of the terms “compostable”, “degradable”, or “biodegradable” in the labelling of plastic packaging and single-use plastic items.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is not associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative requires international regulatory cooperation efforts. Global Affairs Canada will be engaged to ensure the World Trade Organization is informed of this regulatory initiative.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Impacts will be assessed during the regulatory development process and recorded in the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement.

Consultations

The Department undertook stakeholder pre-consultation throughout 2022 and 2023 including the most recent paper entitled: Regulatory Framework Paper: Recycled content and Labelling Rules for Plastics, which was published in April 2023, for a 30-day public comment period. This initiative is currently on hold.

Further information

Further information is available on the Government of Canada’s website at Zero plastic waste: the need for action.

ECCC contact

Tracey Spack
Director, Plastics Regulatory Affairs Division
Telephone: 613-355-0373
Email: tracey.spack@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2022-2024 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

Amendments to the regulations are being proposed to keep pace with recent scientific advances, respond to transparency recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and to prepare for program priorities that are part of the Chemicals Management Plan post 2020. Amendments are expected to include new/modified information requirements for higher organisms (i.e., genetically engineered plants and animals) and microorganisms.

Stakeholder consultations may lead to additional regulatory amendments, policy updates, or clarification of requirements in guidance.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Regulatory cooperation efforts were undertaken domestically with other government departments that are involved directly or indirectly in biotechnology, in addition to careful consideration of international frameworks, with the goal of aligning the proposed regulatory initiative with international best practices.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed initiative could improve oversight of animate products of biotechnology (living organisms) and better protect Canadians and the environment. The proposed amendments would affect manufacturers and importers of new higher organisms and microorganisms not on the Domestic Substances List. Changes have the potential to benefit international trade or investment by reducing barriers that affect Canadian competitiveness. In addition, changes would enhance Canadians’ access to novel and life-saving biologic drugs, such as gene therapies, by removing unnecessary barriers to rapid regulatory approval of clinical trials.

Consultations

Consultations were held in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2016, through face-to-face meetings and by webinar for the higher organisms amendments. Additional consultations related to transparency and public engagement in the New Substances Program took place in May 2018 at the Chemical Management Plan multi-stakeholder workshop and was part of the post-2020 consultation process in 2020.

Pre-consultations on modernization of the New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms) took place in fall 2022. Stakeholders were engaged via an online platform, PlaceSpeak, which included surveys, polls, and discussion questions. Individual/group engagements with stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, were also held.

The proposed amendments are targeting publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in 2025 for a 60-day public comment period.

Further information

Should you need more information, please contact the New Substances Program at substances@ec.gc.ca.

ECCC contact

Bratati Kar
Manager, Biotechnology, Innovation, and Novel Sciences
Science, Reporting and Assessment Directorate, Science and Technology Branch
Telephone: 873-455-6435
Email: bratati.kar@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2014-2016 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

Amendments will be considered for the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) to reflect relevant technological and scientific advances and minimize regulatory burden.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

ECCC will work as needed with domestic partners to advance this regulatory initiative.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Amendments could improve the federal government’s ability to identify and manage harmful substances and protect the environment and people in Canada. Amending the regulations may also affect manufacturers and importers of chemicals or polymers that are not on the Domestic Substances List.

Consultations

Initial consultations took place in 2023 as part of the regulatory stock review plan. Stakeholders will be briefed and feedback will be sought on the need to make amendments to the regulations. Stakeholders will be engaged via surveys and encouraged to ask questions and raise issues.

Further information

Additional information may be obtained using the contact below.

ECCC contact

Korian Soumano
Acting Director, Regulatory Operations, Policy, and Emerging Sciences Division
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999
Email: substances@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2022-2024 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

From time to time, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health will recommend further orders under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), which authorizes the Governor-in-Council to add substances to Schedule 1 of CEPA.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is not associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Canada considers the approaches and conclusions of other countries as part of the risk assessment process.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

As mandated by CEPA, risk assessments are published for a 60-day comment period before a substance is added to Schedule 1 of CEPA. The public and other stakeholders are consulted on the assessment of costs and benefits of any risk management proposals associated with risk assessments. Regulatory Impact Analysis Statements are published with orders adding substances to Schedule 1 of CEPA.

Consultations

The proposed orders will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for a 60-day comment period. Timing and further details of proposed additions are to be determined.

Further information

List of published risk assessments

ECCC contact

Thomas Kruidenier
Executive Director, Substance Prioritization, Assessment and Coordination Division
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999
Email: substances@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2012-2014 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The Cross-Border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Materials Regulations aim to ensure that shipments of hazardous waste and hazardous recycled material crossing Canada’s international and inter-provincial or territorial borders reach their intended destination thus reducing the risk of release of contaminants to the environment, in Canada and abroad. The regulations contribute to Canada’s ability to meet its obligations and commitments under three international instruments respecting the management and international movement of hazardous and other waste.

The proposed amendments are intended to strengthen Canada’s ability to meet its obligations under the Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (the Basel Convention), as well as to strengthen implementation and improve clarity.

In June 2022, a decision was made to amend the Basel Convention to control transboundary movements of non-hazardous electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) in addition to hazardous e-waste, which is currently controlled. To place Canada in a position to accept this Basel Convention amendment, the regulations need to be amended to reflect the changes to the control of e-waste.

In addition, the final amendments would prohibit the export of most hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials from Canada to non-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. This would place Canada in a position to ratify the Basel Ban Amendment.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is not associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative will implement two amendments to the Basel Convention. Specifically, the 2022 amendment to fully control all electronic waste and electrical equipment, as well as the ban amendment.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Impacts will be assessed during the regulatory development process.

Consultations

A consultation document outlining the regulatory proposal was published in February 2023 for a 30-day comment period.

The Department published the proposed amendments to the regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in fall 2023 for a 60-day public comment period.

The Department is targeting publication of the final regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in spring 2024.

Further information

Additional information may be obtained at mt-tm@ec.gc.ca

ECCC contact

Astrid Télasco
Director, Waste Reduction and Management Division
Telephone: 819-938-4478
Email: astrid.telasco@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2023-2025 Forward Regulatory Plan

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed amendments to the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products or Allied Petroleum Products Regulations are administrative in nature. They aim to update references to technical standards currently included in the regulations to ensure the most current standard titles are referenced.

Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations

This initiative does not respond to an issue or concern raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Departmental regulatory stock review plan

This initiative is associated with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s regulatory stock review plan.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative does not require regulatory cooperation efforts.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The Department expects negligible impacts on Canadians as a result of proposed amendments to the Regulations.

Consultations

Under the Regulatory Stock Review Plan, the Department engaged with Indigenous peoples, regulatees, and other interested stakeholders in 2022.

The proposed regulation is targeting publication in Canada Gazette, Part I, in 2024 for a 60-day public comment period.

Further information

Additional information may be obtained using the contact below.

ECCC contact

Astrid Télasco
Director, Waste Reduction and Management Division
Telephone: 819-938-4478
Email: registrereservoir-tankregistry@ec.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

2023-2025 Forward Regulatory Plan (Update)

This regulatory initiative, under the purview of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, is administered jointly by Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). For further details, please visit the Health Canada Forward Regulatory Plan web page.