Canada Delays Plastic Reporting Requirements for Phases 2 and 3
Canada has announced a delay to upcoming plastic reporting requirements under the Federal Plastics Registry, postponing the implementation of Phases 2 and 3 of the program.
The delay is intended to allow additional time to address implementation challenges and support system readiness.
No revised timelines have been confirmed yet.
The delay applies specifically to Phases 2 and 3 of the Federal Plastics Registry.
The original deadline to report for Phase 2 was September 29, 2026, and the deadline for Phase 3 was September 2027.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) clarified that the delay is due to feedback from industry stakeholders who raised concerns about reporting complexity, implementation pace, and data-tracking readiness.
Consequently, the department confirmed that reporting requirements under Phases 2 and 3 will be delayed to support “efficiency, responsiveness, and building a system that works better for everyone.”
The delay does not change the program’s framework or objectives, and Phase 1 reporting obligations will continue to apply.
ECCC is expected to publish a Notice of Intent in Winter 2026, followed by a new Canada Gazette Notice in Summer 2026.
These will establish reporting requirements for calendar years 2027, 2028, and 2029.
The Federal Plastics Registry was established under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) to collect data on resins, plastic packaging, plastic products, and plastic components.
The registry requires reporting on the quantities and types of plastic, which is submitted annually. For Phase 1, reporting covers the calendar years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The reporting obligations apply to producers of plastic products who import, manufacture, and place plastic on the Canadian market in the following product categories that are destined for the residential waste stream:
However, businesses that manufacture, import, or place less than 1,000 kg of plastic products or packaging on the market per calendar year are exempt from reporting requirements.
Penalties apply for failure to report, late reporting, or the submission of false or misleading information.
At Cole International, we offer customs brokerage and trade consulting services to help Canadian businesses comply with changing regulations and reporting requirements.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss your obligations under the plastic reporting requirements and how we can help.