Request a Demo
On December 31, 2025, the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 (PCTSR 2025) were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. It is made under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) to implement Canada's obligations for industrial chemicals under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Effective from June 30, 2026, the 2025 Regulations will replace the PCTSR 2012, marking a significant upgrade in terms of applicable scope, exemptions, and permitting system.
1. Applicable scope
The Regulations only apply to certain toxic substances that are included on the List of Toxic Substances (Schedule 1 of CEPA). So far, 26 toxic substances have been subject to Regulations. Dechlorane Plus (CAS#13560-89-9) and DBDPE (CAS#84852-53-9) will be subject to the Regulations once the 2025 Regulations come into force on June 30, 2026.
2. Exemptions
The PCTSR 2025 removes certain exemptions or limits specific activities which were allowed under the PCTSR 2012 for PFOS, PFOA, LC-PFCAs, HBCD and PBDEs. The PCTSR 2025 almost completely revokes their previous exemptions, retaining only a few exemptions (authorized activities).
Importantly, nearly all retained exemptions have a specified "sunset date". Once this deadline passes, the related uses will no longer be allowed, requiring the complete phase-out of the substances involved. This mechanism aims to accelerate technical substitutions and promote a green transformation within the industry, ensuring that high-risk chemicals are gradually eliminated from the market.
3. Permits
There are currently no permits available under the PCTSR 2012. Please note that once the PCTSR 2025 comes into force on June 30, 2026, permits will be available for certain substances and certain activities.
The PCTSR 2025 allow for permits to be issued for one year and renewed twice (for a total maximum of up to three years). Permits temporarily allow the continued manufacture or import of DP or DBDPE, or products containing these substances, the import of certain products containing PFOA or LC-PFCAs, and the manufacture or import of certain products containing HBCD or decaBDE. However, PCTSR 2025 does not allow for permits for PFOS.
Permit applications must be submitted during the permit application period between July 1, 2026, and July 30, 2026 (30 days after the day the PCTSR 2025 comes into force) using ECCC's Regulatory Services Platform.
More information on the substance-specific authorized activities is available in the 2025 Regulations and through the prohibition summaries for the following substances:
