Importing into Canada means more than just moving goods across the border — it also means meeting strict environmental standards. These environmental regulations for imports are designed to protect ecosystems, public health, and industries from the risks posed by harmful or unsafe products.
For importers, understanding the rules is critical not only to staying compliant, but also to supporting Canada’s goals for sustainability and responsible trade.
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) is one of the country’s cornerstone environmental laws. It aims to prevent pollution, maintain biodiversity, and protect human health. Under CEPA, importers may face requirements tied to risk management, sustainable development, and the promotion of safer alternatives to harmful substances.
Canada assesses, restricts, or phases out chemicals that pose risks under CEPA’s Chemicals Management Plan. For importers, this can mean limits on certain substances, reporting obligations, or a need to find safer product alternatives.
Canada controls the import, export, manufacture, and use of harmful chemicals such as CFCs and HCFCs, as well as high-impact greenhouse gases like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Regulations require permits, determine import limits, and focus on reducing overall use.
Appliances and equipment imported into Canada must meet minimum energy performance standards before they can be sold. These rules aim to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring Canadian consumers have access to efficient and environmentally responsible products. Importers are responsible for ensuring that their goods comply with established standards.
The HPA protects workers and consumers from unsafe chemicals. Along with WHMIS, the HPA helps to ensure correct classification and hazard communication for workplace chemicals. Importers must provide accurate labels, safety data sheets, and ensure their products meet global hazard communication standards aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
Certain types of consumer goods can pose risks to health or safety, so they're regulated under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA). This includes items such as children’s toys, household cleaners, and other products that may contain harmful materials. Importers can have their goods refused at the border if they fail to comply with CCPSA regulations, even if they appear to be innocent toys for kids..
All pest control products imported or sold in Canada must be registered under the PCPA. The law aims to prevent these types of products from harming human health and the environment.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates imports of plants, wood, and animal-based goods to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Importers must meet strict inspection and certification requirements to comply.
Canada has banned the production, importing, and sale of a variety of single-use plastic items. This includes checkout bags, stir sticks, ring carriers, and straws. Importers must adapt to these rules and seek alternative packaging solutions to comply with SPPR.
SARA protects Canada’s biodiversity by preventing the import of species of plants and animals that can disrupt the Canadian ecosystem. Importers dealing with natural goods must ensure their products do not threaten protected species. These regulations work to prevent the extinction of vulnerable species, and manage species of concern before they reach at-risk status.
EPR policies make producers financially and operationally responsible for the post-consumer management of their products and packaging. For importers, this can include obligations to fund recycling programs or take-back systems.
International environmental commitments help to shape Canada’s domestic import regulations that focus on preserving the Canadian ecosystem. As a result, importers must ensure that they comply with environmental regulations that are based on international agreements that protect people and the environment, or risk significant delays and even confiscated goods.
Cole has more than 50 years of experience in customs, importing, freight forwarding, and trade consulting in Canada and the United States. Need to tighten up your systems for better customs compliance? Connect with our experienced team of professionals today.