Ban on Intentionally Added PFAS Products

Summary#

• This bill would ban the sale of products in Nova Scotia that have “intentionally added” PFAS (often called “forever chemicals”) starting January 1, 2028.

• It makes exceptions for Health Canada–approved medical devices and for “essential products” that are needed for health, safety, or basic services and have no reasonable PFAS‑free alternative. Selling banned items would be an offence (a punishable violation).

• Key points:

  • From January 1, 2028, products with intentionally added PFAS could not be sold or offered for sale in Nova Scotia.
  • Exceptions: Health Canada–approved medical devices and “essential products” (needed for health, safety, or the functioning of society, with no practical PFAS‑free substitute).
  • “Intentionally added” means PFAS are purposely put in to perform a function (for example, non‑stick, stain‑resistant, or water‑repellent). It does not target trace PFAS that are not purposefully added.
  • Selling a banned product becomes an offence. The bill does not list specific penalties.
  • The bill defines “essential product,” but it does not explain who decides what qualifies or how that decision will be made.

What it means for you#

• Consumers

  • After January 1, 2028, some common items that rely on PFAS (like certain non‑stick cookware, stain‑resistant carpets or furniture, waterproof outdoor gear, some cosmetics, and some food‑service items) may no longer be sold in Nova Scotia unless they qualify as essential.
  • Medical devices approved by Health Canada can still be sold even if they contain PFAS.
  • The law targets sales. It does not address using items you already own.

• Retailers and online sellers

  • You will need to check product lines and supplier information to make sure items sold in Nova Scotia do not have intentionally added PFAS, unless they meet an exception.
  • Products shipped into Nova Scotia for sale would also need to comply.
  • Expect product changes, substitutions, or discontinuations as suppliers reformulate.

• Manufacturers, importers, and distributors

  • To keep selling in Nova Scotia after 2027, you may need to reformulate products to remove intentionally added PFAS or document that a product is an allowed medical device or qualifies as essential.
  • Planning and testing may be needed well before 2028 to avoid gaps in supply.

• Health care providers and facilities

  • Approved medical devices with PFAS can continue to be sold and used, which should limit disruption to patient care.

• Government and enforcement

  • Selling non‑compliant products would be an offence. The bill does not state fine levels or name an enforcement agency.
  • More guidance may be issued later on how “essential product” decisions will be made.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Reduces exposure to PFAS, which can build up in people and the environment and are hard to remove once released.
• Encourages safer product design and spurs development of PFAS‑free alternatives.
• Broad, all‑products coverage is simpler to follow than many narrow category bans.
• The 2028 start date gives businesses time to adjust and sell through existing stock.
• Keeps exceptions for critical health and safety needs, limiting disruption.

Opponents' View#

• A wide ban may remove products where PFAS provide important performance or safety benefits (for example, some protective gear or specialized equipment).
• The “essential product” test may be unclear, creating uncertainty for businesses about what will be allowed.
• Reformulating products and verifying PFAS content can be costly, especially for small businesses and complex supply chains.
• Compliance and enforcement could be difficult, including with online sales and goods shipped from outside the province.
• If alternatives do not perform as well, consumers may face higher costs or reduced product quality.