Canada to Enact Phased Ban on PFAS

On March 8, 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada jointly announced plans to list per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers) in Part 2 of Schedule 1 under Section 77 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). This regulatory initiative will implement a phased ban across industrial and consumer sectors through three distinct stages.

Scientific Basis for Regulation According to the newly released State of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) report and Section 64 criteria of CEPA, PFAS (defined as compounds containing at least one perfluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom) require enhanced controls due to their persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and toxicity. Fluoropolymers (defined as fully fluorinated carbon-chain polymers) remain exempt from current restrictions given their structural stability and low environmental release potential.

Three-Phase Ban Implementation Framework 

The Risk management approach for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), excluding fluoropolymers outlines the following phased approach:

Phase 1 (Immediate Action)

Focuses on high-risk firefighting foams, prohibiting all PFAS uses not currently regulated.

Phase 2 (Consumer Product Elimination)

Phases out non-essential PFAS applications in:

• Cosmetics, natural health products, and OTC medications
• Food packaging materials, additives, and non-industrial food contact items (e.g., disposable tableware)
• Residential construction materials (paints, adhesives, sealants)
• Household cleaning/polishing products
• PFAS-treated textiles (including firefighter gear)
• Sports equipment (e.g., ski waxes)

Phase 3 (Industrial Transition)

Addresses technically challenging industrial applications:

• Fluorinated gas systems
• Human/veterinary pharmaceuticals
• Medical device manufacturing
• Industrial food processing materials
• Mining/petroleum operations
• Transportation and defense equipment

Adaptive Exemption Mechanism

A "Technological Feasibility Assessment" system will allow temporary exemptions for:

• Critical safety applications without alternatives
• Replacement costs exceeding 50% of sector's 3-year net profits
• Transitions requiring >5-year timelines (with detailed technical roadmaps)

Stakeholder Engagement

The government has opened a 60-day public consultation period (March 8 - May 7, 2025).

Official details available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/other-chemical-substances-interest/per-polyfluoroalkyl-substances.html

CIRS Tool - Chemradar Global PFAS Screening Tool

To help businesses build global compliance defenses, CIRS proudly launches the Global PFAS Screening Tool. The Global PFAS Screening Tool contains over 17,000 substances and allows you to search for PFAS substances through four dimensions: CAS number, substance name, molecular formula, and SMILES. In the future, the database will continue to roll out country - specific screening modules to support businesses in keeping pace with regulatory upgrades in various countries. Stay tuned!

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.