Mandatory PFAS Reporting Notice

Summary#

This is a federal information notice under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 asking for data about many per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) listed in Schedule 1. Companies and others with certain levels of manufacture, import or use in 2023 must give details to Environment and Climate Change Canada by January 29, 2025.

What it does#

• Requires people who meet set activity thresholds (manufacture, import, use or export) for PFAS listed in Schedule 1 to report information for the 2023 calendar year.
• Key thresholds include: manufactured more than 1 000 g; imported more than 10 g for Part 1 substances or more than 100 kg for Part 2/3 substances; or used more than 10 g. Reporting also applies to some manufactured items at or above 1 ppm.
• Tells reporters to submit contact details, facility addresses, quantities made/imported/used/exported (in grams or kilograms), descriptions of goods that contain the substances, concentrations, use categories and intended users (for example, whether intended for children).
• Adds extra technical requests for polymer-type PFAS in Part 2 (molecular weight distribution, structural formula, monomers and degradation products) and asks for titles of studies not already provided to the government.
• Allows claims of confidentiality and an option to request an extension before the deadline. Reports must be sent through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window online system.
• Excludes substances only in transit, for personal use, for laboratory research, certain registered pesticides, fertilizers, feeds or seeds, and excludes very small businesses defined as having fewer than five employees or less than $30,000 in annual revenue.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers, importers, users and exporters of PFAS and products that contain them.
• Businesses that make or bring in consumer goods, food packaging, textiles, foam products, electronics, building materials, or chemicals that may contain PFAS.
• The notice applies to any person or company meeting the thresholds for activity in 2023. It does not apply to micro‑businesses (under five employees or $30,000 annual revenue) or to certain exempt uses listed above.
• If it is unclear whether you are covered, the notice allows declarations of stakeholder interest or non‑engagement.

Why it matters#

• The government is building a baseline picture of how much and where many PFAS are used in Canada. This information will help decide whether and how to regulate or control these chemicals.
• If your business meets the thresholds, you must supply potentially sensitive commercial data by January 29, 2025, or seek an extension beforehand. There are criminal and monetary penalties under the Act for failing to comply or for giving false information (first‑offence fines listed up to $25,000 on summary conviction or up to $500,000 on indictment, with higher amounts for repeat offences).
• For consumers and communities, the results may lead to future restrictions or safer handling rules for PFAS in products and manufacturing.