Repeal of Single‑use Plastics Export Ban

Summary#

This is a proposed change to the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations that would remove the rule banning the manufacture, import and sale of certain single-use plastics for the purpose of export. The change is a proposal (Canada Gazette, Part I) and would keep the domestic bans in place while allowing those products to be sold abroad; the export ban came into force on December 20, 2025, and the government is now proposing to repeal it.

What it does#

• Removes the prohibition on manufacture, import and sale for the purpose of export for six product groups: checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws.
• Keeps the existing domestic market bans on those same items in place.
• Keeps the record-keeping rule that anyone who makes, imports or sells these items for export must keep proof that they were exported for five years.
• The proposal is open for comment under the Canada Gazette process: people have 70 days after publication to submit comments (and 60 days to file a formal objection).
• If adopted, the amendments would come into force on registration (no fixed date given in the notice).

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and exporters of the six single-use plastic items. The government earlier identified 112 businesses that might make at least one of these items; an internet scan suggested up to 49 may still have capacity to make them, 54 had shifted away, and 9 had closed or been acquired.
• Importers and businesses that include these single-use items as part of a larger product made for export (for example, a drink box or dessert cup that ships with a disposable spoon or straw).
• Workers in plants that made these items for export, who stand to avoid some job losses if export activity resumes.
• Small businesses: about 82% of the manufacturers that still have relevant capacity would be considered small businesses under government policy.
• Environmental groups and members of the public who supported the original export ban; they may be affected politically or by shifts in Canada’s approach to global plastic policy.
• The domestic plastics manufacturing sector overall (NAICS 3261), which was reported as generating $35 billion in revenue and supporting about 85,000 jobs in 2023, and where Canada had $14.9 billion in plastics exports in 2023 (about 94% of those exports go to the United States).

Why it matters#

• Economic: Repealing the export ban would reopen global markets for Canadian producers of these items. The government says that could prevent stranded assets, help firms keep production lines and preserve jobs — especially in trade-exposed parts of the plastics sector.
• Environmental: The government’s analysis says the repeal would not change the level of plastic pollution in Canada or abroad, because foreign markets would likely buy similar products from other suppliers if Canada did not export them. Domestic bans on sale and import for Canadian consumers would remain.
• Policy trade-off: This proposal shows a choice between tightening a plastics ban to reflect environmental goals and easing a rule because of economic and trade pressures. Some industry groups welcome the change; some environmental groups prefer a delay rather than full repeal.
• Participation: This is a proposed regulation, not final. The public has the stated opportunity to comment (within 70 days) through the Canada Gazette process before any decision is made.