News Details

The Government of Canada has issued new environmental guidelines aimed at reducing the release of hazardous chemicals used in the rubber product manufacturing sector. Published under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Release Guidelines for Chemicals Used in the Rubber Product Manufacturing Sector came into effect in Canada on April 4, 2026. 

What the New Guidelines Cover 

The guidelines, issued by Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin on March 16, 2026, are designed to provide guidance and concentration targets to reduce industrial effluent releases of two specific substances of concern linked to rubber manufacturing processes: 

• Thioperoxydicarbonic diamide, tetramethyl- (TMTD) - CAS Registry Number 137-26-8 

• 1,4-benzenediamine, N,N'-mixed phenyl and tolyl derivatives (BENPAT) - CAS Registry Number 68953-84-4 

Both substances have been identified as having potential environmental impact, particularly when released into water systems through industrial wastewater. 

Who Needs to Comply 

The guidelines apply to any individual or organization operating a rubber product manufacturing facility that uses either of the listed substances and discharges effluent containing these chemicals. Facility operators fitting this description are strongly encouraged to align their operations with the new framework. 

Key Compliance Expectations 

Facilities that fall under the scope of the guidelines are expected to take several proactive steps: 

1. Minimize chemical releases to meet the established concentration targets outlined in the official documentation. 

2. Conduct effluent sampling to measure concentrations of the regulated substances, following the procedures detailed in Section 6 of the guidelines. 

3. Implement best management practices that are consistent with the Code of Practice for the Environmentally Sound Management of Chemical Substances in the Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber Sectors. 

4. Submit annual evaluation reports to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The the first reporting deadline is June 1, 2027. 

Reporting Requirements Explained 

Operators of affected facilities must notify the Minister of Environment in writing of their intent to adopt the guidelines by submitting a formal Declaration of the Operator, as provided in Appendix 2. 

Annual reports documenting the use of substances of concern must be filed every year following the first use, with reports due by June 1 of the following calendar year. Facilities that qualify for the sampling reporting exemption under subsection 7.3 of the guidelines can submit a separate declaration confirming that they do not need to provide sampling data for that reporting cycle. 

Regulatory Background and Public Consultation 

The finalized guidelines follow a structured consultation process. The Minister of Environment first published the proposed version in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on March 22, 2025. Stakeholders and members of the public were given a 60-day window to submit feedback. After reviewing all comments received, the Minister issued the final version under subsection 54(4) of CEPA, with formal notice published to meet the requirements of Section 92 of the Act. 

Aligning with the Right to a Healthy Environment 

These guidelines are being implemented during a transition period tied to the Implementation Framework for the Right to a Healthy Environment, published on July 19, 2025. Although the full framework could not be applied retroactively to work already underway, the new rubber sector guidelines incorporate several of its core principles, including intergenerational equity, non-regression, and scientifically grounded decision-making. 

By setting strict concentration targets for persistent chemicals and promoting industry-wide best practices, the guidelines aim to reduce long-term environmental burdens and support cleaner water systems, healthier ecosystems, and greater biodiversity across Canada. 

Privacy and Information Handling 

Personal information collected through the reporting process is gathered under the authority of Section 5 of the Department of the Environment Act and subsection 7(1) of the Financial Administration Act. All data is protected under the Privacy Act and handled in accordance with the Personal Information Bank Outreach Activities PSU 938. 

What Happens Next 

Performance results tied to the new guidelines will be summarized and published after the ECCC has received and reviewed the first round of annual reports in mid-2027. The federal government has also committed to reviewing and updating the guidelines over time to ensure that environmental protections evolve alongside scientific understanding and industry practices. 

For rubber manufacturers operating in Canada, early alignment with the guidelines, transparent reporting, and the adoption of environmentally sound management practices will be essential going forward.