Canada’s mandatory reporting under the Federal Plastics Registry begins on September 29, 2025 (Phase 1). Phase 1 reporting is based on 2024 data.
The regulated community has anticipated reporting under the Federal Plastics Registry since the Government of Canada issued a notice on April 20, 2024. With Phase 1 reporting just around the corner, it is a good time to see if you are required to report in September.
Phase 1 Reporting under the Federal Plastics Registry
Phase 1 targets products entering the residential waste stream. Producers of products that enter commercial, institutional, or industrial waste streams are not required to report.
Phase 1 applies to producers of:
- Plastic packaging;
- Electronic and electrical equipment; and
- Single-use or disposable products.
The definition of producers of plastic products is “Those who import, manufacture, and place plastic packaging or plastic products on the market in Canada. This can include brand owners, importers, manufacturers, retailers, marketplace facilitators, or sellers.”
Canada’s mandatory reporting under the Federal Plastics Registry begins on September 29, 2025 – Phase 1 (Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash).
Those exempt from reporting are the following:
- Small producers and importers: Those who manufacture, import, or place less than 1,000 kg of plastic products or packaging on the market per calendar year
- Small waste generators: Those who generate less than 1,000 kg of packaging and plastic product waste at their Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional (ICI) facilities per calendar year
- Small waste managers: Service providers who manage less than 1,000 kg of plastic via activities like collecting, recycling, or disposal per calendar year
Phase 1 Reporting Requirements
In a recent blog regarding the Phase 1 reporting requirements, Borden Ladner Gervais wrote, “Persons must report the required information using the online reporting system. This includes the total quantity, in kilograms, of all plastic packaging that is: (a) manufactured in Canada, (b) imported into Canada, and (c) placed on the market in Canada in each province and territory. Several characteristics of the plastic must be reported, including the type of plastic, quantities, and its categorization.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada has provided a “Guide for Reporting to the Federal Plastics Registry – Phase 1.”
The 60-page guidance document includes several examples. The examples provided serve as an indication of the far-reaching nature of the reporting obligation. Examples include a “Candy Store,” a “Cotton Swab Importer,” and an “Electronics Manufacturer.”
For details on the reporting requirements, see “What needs to be reported.”
Phase 1 reporting under the Federal Plastics Registry is rapidly approaching. For companies affected by the reporting obligation, there is little time remaining to pull together the 2024 data for the September reporting deadline.
Environmental Assistance
If you need assistance with federal plastics registry reporting, environmental assessments, permitting, management, etc., we can help. Contact Christopher Paré, P.Geo, at 519-948-7300, Ext. 114 for more information.
Alan Hahn drafted this blog. Alan has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and completed a graduate program in Environmental Management. He has worked in environmental management for more than 45 years. He has written hundreds of blogs and articles. His published work includes HazMat Magazine, BizX Magazine, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, GreenStone Partners, Manure Manager Magazine, and Progressive Dairy.
Christopher Paré, P.Geo, reviewed this blog. Chris is a senior geoscientist and manager of Dragun’s Windsor, Ontario, office. Chris has more than 30 years of experience on projects ranging from environmental site assessments (Phase One/Two ESA), excess soils, remedial investigations, soil and groundwater remediation, Permits to Take Water, Records of Site Conditions, vapour intrusion, and site decommissioning. Chris is a frequent speaker, author, and expert witness. See Chris’ bio. Follow Dragun Corporation on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook.
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