Canada has officially introduced the Federal Plastics Registry (FPR), a nationwide mandatory reporting system designed to improve transparency across the plastics value chain and support the country’s ambition of achieving zero plastic waste by 2030.
The registry will collect standardized data on how plastics are manufactured, imported, used, recycled, and disposed of across Canada. This initiative plays a key role in strengthening Canada’s transition toward a circular economy.
What Is the Federal Plastics Registry?
The Federal Plastics Registry is a mandatory reporting framework that tracks plastics throughout their entire life cycle, including:
- Plastic resin manufacturing and imports
- Plastic products placed on the Canadian market
- Reuse, recycling, recovery, and final disposal of plastics
The data collected will help the Government of Canada better understand plastic flows, identify waste hotspots, and develop informed policies to reduce plastic pollution.
Who is required to report?
Reporting obligations apply to organizations involved at any stage of the plastics value chain, including:
- Resin manufacturers
- Producers and importers of plastic products
- Service providers that use plastics
- Industrial, commercial, and institutional waste generators
Exemption: Organizations handling less than 1,000 kg of plastic per year are generally exempt from reporting requirements.
Phased Implementation Timeline
The Federal Plastics Registry is being implemented in phases:
- Phase 1 (Currently in force):
Reporting on select plastic products placed on the market, such as packaging, electronics, and single-use plastics. - Phases 2 and 3 (Delayed):
Expanded reporting on industrial plastic waste generation, collection, and disposal has been postponed allowing additional time for stakeholder readiness.
Regulatory Framework
The registry is established under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and is legally binding for applicable organizations. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions or penalties.
Importantly, the Federal Plastics Registry complements existing provincial reporting systems and does not replace them.
Why does the federal plastics registry matter?
The registry strengthens Canada’s plastic waste management framework by:
- Improving national-level data transparency
- Supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs
- Enabling evidence-based policy and regulation
- Encouraging sustainable product design and material use
What businesses should do now?
Organizations operating in Canada should:
- Confirm whether reporting thresholds apply to them
- Map plastic materials and products across their supply chains
- Align internal data systems with FPR reporting requirements
- Monitor government updates on future phase timelines and guidance
Reach out to our regulation experts on chemical and product regulatory compliances