On February 25, 2026, Canada issued an official gazette announcing amendments to Schedule 3 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Export Control List (ECL). The revisions add new controlled chemical substances to ensure Canada’s compliance with its international obligations under the Rotterdam Convention and the Stockholm Convention.
Key Amendments
1. New Controlled Substances
Part 2 Additions (requiring prior informed consent from importing countries):
- Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD): A flame retardant used in building insulation foam, among other applications.
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts, and precursors: Used in water- and oil-repellent products.
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Flame retardants used in furniture, electronics, etc.
- Phorate: Moved from Part 3 to Part 2 (due to its listing in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention).
Part 3 Additions (domestically restricted use):
- Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs, C9–C21): Used in semiconductors, firefighting foam, etc.
- Ferbam: A fungicide banned due to health risks.
- Dechlorane Plus (DP): A flame retardant, with controls delayed by 5 years (effective around 2030).
2. Modifications to Existing Entries
Technical revisions were made to multiple existing entries in Schedule 3, including:
- Updated descriptions of substances such as polybrominated biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls.
- Clarification of CAS numbers for specific chemicals.
- Alignment with the Rotterdam Convention, Stockholm Convention, and domestic regulations.
Effective Dates
Most amendments will take effect concurrently with the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025. Controls on Dechlorane Plus (DP) will be delayed by 5 years to align with exemption periods under domestic regulations.
