Canada has officially published the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 in the Canada Gazette (Part II) on December 31, 2025. The new regulation replaces the 2012 framework and significantly strengthens national chemical controls under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
The regulation will enter into force on June 30, 2026, providing industries with a defined transition window to align with the updated compliance requirements.
Stronger Controls on Persistent Toxic Substances
The 2025 regulation reflects Canada’s enhanced approach to managing persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances. The revised framework aims to:
- Reduce environmental and human health risks
- Eliminate or phase out high-risk persistent chemicals
- Close regulatory gaps from the 2012 version
- Encourage adoption of safer alternatives
- Align with evolving global chemical management standards
The regulatory direction signals a clear move toward stricter chemical oversight and long-term phase-outs.
New Flame Retardants Prohibited
The updated framework introduces prohibitions on additional high-risk flame retardants, including:
- Dechlorane Plus (DP)
- Decabromodiphenyl Ethane (DBDPE)
These substances are commonly used in:
- Electrical and electronic equipment
- Automotive components
- Plastic housings and cable insulation
- Industrial textiles
Under the new rules, the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, and import of these substances are broadly prohibited, subject to limited transitional provisions.
Tighter Restrictions on PFAS and Other Substances
The regulation also strengthens controls on previously regulated chemicals, including:
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
- Long-chain PFCAs
- HBCD (Hexabromocyclododecane)
- PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers)
Key changes include:
- Removal or narrowing of several historical exemptions
- Time-limited transitional allowances
- Stricter documentation and justification requirements
- Clearer phase-out timelines
The updated framework indicates movement toward near-total elimination of these substances in Canadian markets.
Introduction of a Structured Permit System
To address cases where alternatives are not immediately available, Canada has introduced a structured permit mechanism. Permits may be granted if:
- No technically or economically feasible alternatives exist
- The use is considered critical
- A defined phase-out plan is submitted
Permits are valid for up to three years and may be renewed under strict review conditions. This approach balances environmental protection objectives with industrial transition realities.
Broader Scope Increases Compliance Burden
The regulation applies not only to substances in pure form but also to:
- Mixtures
- Manufactured items containing listed substances
This expanded scope increases compliance responsibilities for:
- Importers
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Component suppliers
- Distributors
Companies must now conduct comprehensive supply chain reviews to ensure products entering the Canadian market comply with the updated rules.
Industry Impact and Required Actions
The most affected sectors include:
- Automotive
- Electronics and electrical equipment
- Aerospace
- Plastics and polymer manufacturing
- Construction materials
- Industrial textiles
Organizations should immediately:
- Conduct detailed substance inventory assessments
- Screen products for newly prohibited chemicals
- Update supplier declarations and material specifications
- Plan substitution or reformulation strategies
- Assess permit eligibility where necessary
- Prepare for enforcement beginning June 30, 2026
Enforcement and Key Dates
Oversight and enforcement will be managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions under CEPA.
| Substance / Group | Scope / Application | Base Effective Date | Extended / Special Compliance Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Prohibition | All listed substances unless exempted | June 30, 2026 | — | Regulations come into force 6 months after publication |
| PFOS | Manufacture, use, sale, import | June 30, 2026 | No general phase-out beyond effective date | Incidental presence allowed below prescribed thresholds |
| PFOA | Motor vehicle parts | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | Temporary allowance for parts |
| PFOA | Replacement vehicle parts (for vehicles not mass-produced after Jan 1, 2027) |
June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2041 | Long-term service exemption |
| PFOA | Electrical & electronic equipment (EEE) parts | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | Specific part exemption |
| LC-PFCAs | Motor vehicle parts | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | Similar to PFOA motor vehicle allowance |
| LC-PFCAs | Replacement vehicle parts | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2041 | Service life support |
| LC-PFCAs | EEE parts | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2031 | Longer transition vs. PFOA |
| DP (Dechlorane Plus) | Aircraft engine fan case products | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2030 | Aerospace-specific exemption |
| DP (Dechlorane Plus) | Aircraft engine manufacture/import | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2030 | Linked to above |
| DP (Dechlorane Plus) | Certain parts (EEE, vehicles, defence) | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2030 | 5 years from publication |
| DP (Dechlorane Plus) | Replacement parts | June 30, 2026 | Dec 31, 2044 (or end of service life, whichever earlier) | Longest transition period |
| DBDPE | General uses | June 30, 2026 | Time-limited exemptions (varies per Schedule 1) | Case-specific exemptions |
| Permit Provision | Non-exempt uses (if approved) | June 30, 2026 | Up to 3 years (approx. until June 30, 2029) | Requires regulatory permit |
Key Milestones:
- December 31, 2025 – Publication in Canada Gazette
- June 30, 2026 – Regulation enters into force
Conclusion
The Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 marks a significant strengthening of Canada’s chemical management regime. By expanding prohibitions, tightening exemptions, and introducing a controlled permit system, Canada reinforces its commitment to reducing environmental and public health risks associated with persistent toxic substances.
Businesses operating in or exporting to Canada should begin compliance planning immediately to mitigate regulatory exposure and avoid potential supply chain disruptions.
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