Export of Single-use Plastics Restored

Summary#

This is a proposal to change the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations so that certain single-use plastic items can again be made, imported or sold for the purpose of export. The notice was published on December 20, 2025 and would keep the existing domestic ban in place while removing the export ban.

What it does#

• Repeals the part of the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations that bans manufacture, import and sale of these items for export. The six categories are checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks and straws (with some earlier exceptions for access).
• Keeps the domestic market prohibitions intact. The changes only affect goods intended for export.
• Keeps the existing record-keeping rule: exporters would still have to keep proof that items were exported for five years and provide it on request.
• This is a proposal (not yet law). The Canada Gazette notice invites public comment for 70 days, and gives 60 days to file a formal objection asking for a review.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and exporters of the six categories of single-use plastics. A federal scan cited about 112 firms originally identified; roughly up to 49 may still have capacity for these products and would directly benefit.
• Importers who buy these items to include in final goods for export (for example, a straw attached to an exported beverage container).
• Workers at affected plants, and many small businesses: the scan found that about 82% of the 49 firms that still had capacity would be classed as small businesses.
• Environmental groups and the broader public who follow government action on plastic pollution. The proposal keeps domestic pollution controls in place, but changes Canada’s approach to exports.

Why it matters#

• Restores market access: the government says removing the export ban would let Canadian firms sell these products overseas again and could prevent lost sales, stranded equipment and some job losses.
• Economic scale: the plastics product manufacturing sector was described as generating about $35 billion in revenue and supporting about 85,000 jobs (2023 figures). The government argues export access matters for firms tied into international supply chains.
• Low direct costs to business: officials estimate a small administrative cost for record retrieval (about $27,303 total over 10 years for all exporters, or about $939 per year in their model).
• Environmental effect: the government’s analysis says keeping the domestic ban but allowing exports is not expected to change plastic pollution levels inside Canada or abroad. The notice presents this as the main reason the export ban is not needed to meet the Regulations’ environmental objective.
• Next step: this is a proposed amendment. People and groups can comment during the public comment period noted above.