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Established under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Federal Plastics Registry (FPR), is a central element in Canada’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy. Administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Registry collects standardized national data on plastics placed on the Canadian market and how they are managed at the end of their life cycle.

The FPR is designed to improve transparency and accountability across the plastics value chain as well as harmonizing reporting across jurisdictions. Unlike existing provincial extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, which differ in scope and definitions, the FPR establishes consistent national reporting requirements. It aims to capture plastics throughout their entire lifecycle, from manufacture and import to reuse, recycling, and disposal, providing a clear picture of how plastics circulate within the Canadian economy.

Phase 1: Initial Reporting Cycle for Producers

The first phase of the FPR applies to producers (including manufacturers, importers, and sellers) of plastic packaging and selected plastic products. Reporting covers data for the 2024 calendar year, with submissions due by 29 September 2025.

The ECCC’s detailed Phase 1 reporting guidance helped companies determine their obligations, identify applicable data categories, and calculate quantities based on resin and product types.

Producers and service providers must report on all plastics placed on the market, as well as those that are collected, reused, repaired, remanufactured, refurbished, recycled, composted, incinerated, or landfilled. They must also disclose the amount of plastic waste generated on their industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) premises.

Reporting under the FPR is mandatory under CEPA, and non-compliance may result in enforcement measures.

Extension Possibility under CEPA 46(6)

Under subsection 46(6) of CEPA, the Minister of the Environment may extend the reporting date set out in a Section 46 Notice, provided that a written request is submitted before the applicable deadline. While this option is no longer available for the 2024 reporting cycle, similar provisions may apply in future phases of the Federal Plastics Registry.

Future Phases and Ongoing Compliance

The Registry is being implemented gradually to expand its scope.

• Phase 2 (reporting in 2026) will extend obligations to resin manufacturers and importers, as well as to producers of additional plastic categories not covered in Phase 1. These include construction materials, textiles, and agricultural plastics.
• Phase 3 (planned for after 2026) is expected to incorporate recyclers, waste management operators, and other service providers, capturing the movement of plastics from production to recovery and final disposal.

Each new phase builds on previously collected data, enabling the ECCC to develop a comprehensive national dataset covering the full lifecycle of plastics.

By standardizing data collection across Canada, the Registry will also help to align federal and provincial EPR programs, closing existing information gaps and supporting evidence-based policy decisions.

The ECCC encourages businesses to review the current guidance and prepare for future annual submissions as Canada advances towards its zero plastic waste target by 2030.

The Government of Canada has taken a significant step toward addressing the risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” On September 26, 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada launched a consultation on Phase 1 of its PFAS Risk Management Plan. This phase focuses on firefighting foams that remain one of the largest sources of contamination.

Why PFAS Are a Concern

PFAS are synthetic chemicals valued for their resistance to heat, oil, and water. However, these same properties make them extremely persistent in the environment. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to negative health impacts, including liver and kidney damage, thyroid dysfunction, immune suppression, and developmental issues. In wildlife, PFAS have been shown to harm reproduction, growth, and immune functions, threatening ecosystems and biodiversity.

Phase 1: Focus on Firefighting Foams

The first phase of the government’s action plan specifically targets aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), which are widely used in civil and military aviation, shipping, and the petroleum and chemical sectors. While these foams are highly effective at extinguishing flammable liquid fires, they are also a major source of PFAS pollution in drinking water and soil. Canada’s proposed measures aim to eliminate the remaining unregulated uses of these foams while promoting the adoption of safer alternatives.

A Multi-Phase Risk Management Strategy

Canada is implementing a three-phase approach to reduce PFAS risks.

●      Phase 1: Address PFAS in firefighting foams not yet covered by regulations.

●      Phase 2: Restrict PFAS in non-essential uses, particularly in consumer products.

●      Phase 3: Assess critical uses of PFAS where no viable alternatives exist, with the goal of identifying safe substitutes in the long term.

This class-based approach ensures that one harmful PFAS is not simply replaced by another with similar toxic properties.

Regulatory Framework Under CEPA

The risk management measures are being developed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). By adding PFAS (excluding fluoropolymers) to Schedule 1, Part 2, the government can regulate the entire class of chemicals. Canada already restricts several PFAS through the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, and new updates proposed in 2022 aim to further tighten controls, including the phase-out of C8 AFFF foams with limited exemptions for critical applications.

Government Position

According to Julie Dabrusin, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the proposed phase-out will prevent future contamination and drive the transition to effective alternatives. Marjorie Michel, the Minister of Health, emphasized that these actions are necessary to protect Canadians today and for future generations.

Public Consultation and Next Steps

The consultation on Phase 1 is open until November 25, 2025. Feedback from industry, civil society, and the public will guide the development of new regulations. Once finalized, these measures will significantly reduce PFAS releases into the environment and encourage the shift toward safer firefighting technologies.