Environment Canada Proposes Restriction of HBCD, PFOA, LC-PFCAs, PBDEs, and PFOS

Proposed Regulations Amending the Canadian Prohibition of Certain Substances Regulations, 2012 were published on April 4, 2015. The proposed amendment adds five substances to the Prohibition Regulations, including the substances:

  • hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD);
  • perfluorooctanoic acid, its salts, and its precursors (PFOA);
  • perfluorocarboxylic acids, their salts, and their precursors (LC-PFCAs);
  • olybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs); and
  • perfluorooctane sulfonate and its salts and its precursors (PFOS).

These substances have known uses in a variety of consumer and commercial products including several types of electrical and electronic products.  The proposed regulations are available in the Canadian Gazette, part 1. A public comment period is open from April 4, 2015 to June 18, 2015.

In general, the substance restrictions take effect immediately at the coming into force of the regulation. Temporary exemptions and long-term permitted uses have been specified for specific applications for some of the substances.

Contact ECD Compliance for additional information on the proposed regulations and impact of these regulations on your products.