The Department of the Environment and the Department of Health announced proposed amendments to the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. These proposed regulations are designed to prevent plastic pollution by prohibiting the manufacture, import, and sale of six categories of single-use plastics (SUPs): checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. Certain exemptions were included to ensure accessibility for individuals who rely on specific products, such as straws. The domestic prohibitions on these SUPs were implemented in a staggered timeline between 2022 and 2024,

In December 2025, the regulations extended the prohibition to include the manufacture, import, and sale of these SUPs for export purposes. This extension has prompted concerns regarding its economic implications, particularly in the context of ongoing global supply chain pressures and tariffs. The export prohibition limits Canadian producers’ access to international markets, creating a competitive disadvantage relative to foreign producers who are not subject to similar restrictions. This could result in the relocation of production, investment, and employment opportunities abroad, with minimal impact on the reduction of plastic pollution either within Canada or internationally. Regulatory analysis concluded that the export prohibition is not necessary to achieve the core environmental objectives of the regulations, as the measures already in place effectively address domestic plastic pollution risks.

The proposed amendments seek to address this imbalance by permitting the manufacture, import, and sale of the six SUP categories for the purpose of export, while ensuring that the original environmental protections remain fully effective. Upon registration, the amendments would remove the existing export prohibitions for checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. Businesses producing or selling these SUPs for export would still be required to comply with existing record-keeping obligations. These obligations mandate that records demonstrating the exported nature of the products—rather than their use in domestic markets—be maintained for a period of five years and be made available to the Department of the Environment upon request.

The amendments are intended to achieve a careful balance between environmental protection and economic competitiveness. By allowing Canadian businesses to participate in global trade, the regulations aim to prevent the displacement of domestic production and the loss of associated employment and investment opportunities abroad, while continuing to minimize plastic pollution at home. The consultation period provides stakeholders, including industry representatives, environmental groups, and the public, an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed changes.

Canada (Proposed) December 23, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.