Export of Single-Use Plastic Under Review as Canada Proposes Amendments
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to remove the ban on the manufacture, import, and sale of certain single-use plastics for the purpose of export.
The proposal of Regulations Amending the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations was published in the Canada Gazette and is open for public comment for 70 days.
The government is collecting feedback on the proposal until February 28, 2026.
The export prohibition under the Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) came into force on December 20, 2025, the same day the proposed amendments to repeal it were published in the Canada Gazette.
Until the amendments are finalized and registered, existing regulations remain in force.
The proposed amendments would not change existing record-keeping requirements under the Regulations.
Businesses that manufacture, import, or sell any of the six categories of single-use plastics for export must continue to keep proof of export to demonstrate that the products were not intended for the domestic market.
These records must be retained for five years and made available upon request by the Department of the Environment.
The SUPPR were first published in June 2022 and restrict the manufacture, import, and sale of the following six categories of single-use plastics in Canada:
Under the current export-phase rules, businesses are prohibited from manufacturing, importing, or selling these items for the purpose of export.
The proposed amendments would remove this export-related restriction.
According to the rationale published with the proposed amendments, the export prohibition does not achieve an environmental objective that is proportionate to its economic impact.
The rationale notes that restricting access to global markets for single-use plastics affects Canadian business activity without delivering a corresponding environmental benefit.
It also states that limiting exports may shift production, investment, and employment to other jurisdictions, without materially reducing plastic pollution in Canada or abroad.
The Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) were introduced to phase out the manufacture, import, and sale of single-use plastic products in Canada.
These cover plastic products that are environmentally persistent, harmful to wildlife, and difficult to recycle.
The regulations are intended to reduce the presence of these items in everyday use and prevent them from entering or re-entering the Canadian marketplace through imports.
A prohibition on exports was later added to the regulatory framework to prevent these products from being manufactured, imported, or held in Canada for shipment abroad.
At Cole International, we offer customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses navigate regulatory requirements and maintain compliance as trade rules evolve.
To discuss the impact of the proposed repeal of the ban on exporting single-use plastic products on your business, reach out to one of our trade professionals.