Federal Plastics Registry was created by Notice under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, on December 30, 2023, as another step in Canada’s action to reduce plastic pollution.
Federal Plastics Registry is a federal database of all plastic resins and products placed on the Canadian market, regardless of who the end-user is, which must be reported from 2025. Placed on the market is defined as any supply, whether for payment or not, to third parties for distribution, consumption, or use.
The products in scope are plastic resins, plastic products, and certain plastic-containing products. The last is split into 8 categories with various subcategories; for example, EEE category and EEE appliance subcategory or textiles category and footwear subcategory.
The reporting obligations exist for the Producer, the Waste Generator, and the Service Provider. This extension of obligations is also visible in the waste stream scope which includes all waste streams; residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial waste.
Whilst there are no material exemptions, The Act does account for a small producer exemption.
Reporting is set to be annual by September 29th of the year following the year of the report. The categories and subcategories are mutually exclusive to avoid double reporting. PROs or other persons are allowed to be delegated to report on behalf of the obligated party.
The reporting scope and commencement are not universal across the obligated parties, streams, or in-scope products. Below you can find some examples thereof.
What are the deadlines?
September 29, 2025, first report due for Producer of plastics in packaging, single-use plastic products, or EEE
September 29, 2026, first report due for Producer of plastic resins
September 29, 2026, first report due for Waste Generator of plastic in packaging, single-use plastic products, or EEE
September 29, 2026, first report due for Service Provider of plastics in packaging, single-use, or agriculture products collected
September 29, 2027, first report due for Service Provider of plastics in tires or EEE sent for disposal
⚠️ UPDATE: Federal Plastics Registry Phases 2 & 3 Delayed
Please Note: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has officially delayed the implementation of Phases 2 and 3 of the Federal Plastics Registry. While Phase 1 obligations remain in effect, the reporting timelines for resin, industrial waste, and additional product categories have been pushed back.
A new Section 46 Notice is expected in Summer 2026 to provide updated guidance and timelines.
If you need support or have additional questions, please contact our EPR consultants HERE.
Published July 17, 2024
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