Wildlife Trade and Toxic Substances Labelling

Summary#

On October 29, 2022, the Department of the Environment published several government notices. They include a consultation on proposed updates to the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations, a public plan to consider mandatory labelling of toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and a routine appointment to the roster of review officers. These notices mainly set out consultations, criteria, and timelines rather than final new rules.

What it does#

• Wild animal and plant trade rules:

  • Proposes administrative amendments to the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations to better reflect decisions made under CITES, fix enforceability problems, modernize wording, simplify structure, and reduce paperwork.
  • Invites public feedback between October 29, 2022 and December 28, 2022; amendments were expected to be published for further comment in spring 2023.

• Labelling toxic substances in products:

  • Signals the government’s intent to propose measures under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to require labelling of some substances listed on Schedule 1 when those labels would help protect health or the environment.
  • Says the government will develop criteria for when labelling is needed (examples include substances that pose lifecycle risks, are being phased down, or need disposal guidance).
  • Notes a focus on groups of chemicals such as flame retardants and gives summary numbers from past assessments: 34 flame retardants assessed under the Chemicals Management Plan (with 14 found harmful), and 14 more being assessed (of which 10 were proposed to be harmful).
  • Plans a product labelling strategy in 2023 and invited public comments during a 75‑day window ending January 12, 2023.

• Appointment:

  • Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, Ms. Heather McLeod-Kilmurray was appointed to the roster of review officers for a term of three years, effective October 7, 2022.

Who's affected#

• People and businesses involved in international trade of protected wildlife and plants who use permits under the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations.
• Manufacturers, importers, and retailers of consumer products that may contain substances on Schedule 1, including cosmetics, cleaning products, upholstered furniture (flame retardants), and other household goods.
• Consumers who want clearer information about chemicals in products and how to dispose of them safely.
• A wide range of stakeholders who take part in consultations: industry groups, retailers, logistics firms, NGOs, Indigenous organizations, provincial bodies, labour unions, consultants, and members of the public.
• The roster appointment is mainly relevant to people who interact with review officers under CEPA; it is a routine staffing action.

Why it matters#

• Updating the wildlife trade regulations aims to keep Canada’s rules in step with international CITES decisions and make enforcement clearer. That can affect permits, legal trade, and conservation outcomes for protected species.
• A labelling strategy could give shoppers clearer information about toxic chemicals in everyday products, helping people make safer choices and follow proper disposal steps. It could also mean new costs or paperwork for companies that sell those products.
• The notices open a formal window for public input, so affected groups can influence how changes are designed before any final rules are made.
• The appointment is routine and does not itself change policy; it fills a role used in CEPA review processes.