News Details

The Canadian government has announced new regulatory restrictions on the flame retardants Dechlorane Plus (DP) and Decabromodiphenyl Ethane (DBDPE) under the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 (PCTSR 2025). These regulations are established under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and they will enter into force on 30 June 2026. At that time they will repeal and replace the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. Neither DP nor DBDPE was previously regulated under the 2012 framework, making this a notable expansion of Canada’s chemical control regime. 

Scope of the Prohibitions 

From the date of entry into force, the PCTSR 2025 will generally prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, and import of DP and DBDPE, as well as products containing these substances. The objective of the regulations is to reduce environmental and human exposure to persistent flame retardants while reflecting Canada’s evolving approach to managing toxic substances. At the same time, recognizing the substances widespread use in long-life products and critical applications, the government has introduced a range of time-limited exemptions and transitional authorizations. 

Incidental Presence and Existing Stock Allowances 

Products containing DP or DBDPE may continue to be placed on the market if the presence of DP or DBDPE is incidental, meaning the substances are present only as unintentional trace impurities and were not deliberately added to the formulation. In addition, products that were already in use or held in inventory before 29 June 2026 may continue to be used and sold after the regulations take effect. 

Transitional Provisions for Dechlorane Plus (DP) 

In the case of Dechlorane Plus, Canada has provided targeted transitional allowances for specific sectors. Aviation-related applications, including aircraft engine fan case rub strips and associated void-filling and edge-sealing materials, can be used and supplied until 31 December 2030. For a broader group of products, including electrical and electronic equipment, land-based motor vehicles, defense and aerospace products, stationary industrial machinery, outdoor power equipment, and marine and garden products, the manufacture, import, use, and sale of parts containing DP will be permitted until 1 January 2031. Replacement parts containing DP may continue to be supplied until the end of the product’s service life or 31 December 2044, whichever occurs first. Finished products already placed on the market may remain in use. 

Extended Transition Periods for Decabromodiphenyl Ethane (DBDPE) 

Decabromodiphenyl Ethane is subject to an extended transition period, reflecting its extensive use in polymers, plastics, and rubber materials. Under the PCTSR 2025, pellets, flakes, or blocks of polymeric materials, rubber, or high-density polyethylene compounded with DBDPE may continue to be used, sold, and imported for the manufacture of wire and cable products, heat-shrink materials, and other plastic or rubber products until 1 January 2041. The manufacture or import of finished manufactured items containing DBDPE is also permitted until that date. For certain high-reliability and long-life products, including defense and aerospace equipment, vehicles, industrial machinery, medical and diagnostic devices, and measurement and control instruments, replacement parts containing DBDPE may be supplied until the end of service life or 1 January 2056, whichever comes earlier. 

Permit Mechanism Under PCTSR 2025 

Under the PCTSR 2025, Canada will introduce a permit mechanism allowing limited, temporary continuation of certain otherwise prohibited activities involving DP or DBDPE. Permits may be issued for a period of one year and renewed up to two times, for a maximum duration of three years, provided that the activities meet the eligibility criteria set out in the regulations or are not otherwise covered by transitional exemptions. Permit applications must be submitted through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Regulatory Services Platform during the application window from 1 July to 30 July 2026. 

Laboratory and Research Use Exemptions 

The prohibitions do not apply to the use of either substance for laboratory analysis, scientific research, or as analytical standards. However, users are required to submit annual reports through the Regulatory Services Platform if they use more than 10 grams of each substance for these purposes per calendar year. 

Implications for Industry and Compliance Planning 

The inclusion of DP and DBDPE under the PCTSR 2025 is a significant development for companies in sectors such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, defense, plastics, medical devices, and industrial manufacturing. Businesses supplying the Canadian market should begin assessing substance use across their supply chains, engaging with suppliers, and planning for substitution or regulatory transition well in advance of the 2026 compliance deadline.