CEPA Information-Gathering: Phase 1 and Phase 2

Summary#

Two government notices require people and businesses to give information about certain chemicals to the federal government. Phase 1 starts August 29, 2026 with reports due by March 3, 2027 for 184 substances. Phase 2 starts March 4, 2027 with reports due by September 8, 2027 for 16 substances. The work is being done under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and led by Environment and Climate Change Canada together with Health Canada.

What it does#

• Sets an information‑gathering requirement for listed chemicals. The government wants data to decide whether the substances are harmful and whether controls are needed.
• Applies to activity in the 2025 reporting year. That means amounts moved or used in calendar year 2025.
• Tells who must report:
  • Anyone who in 2025 manufactured, imported or used more than 100 kg of most listed substances.
  • For some substances in Part 2, the threshold is 1 000 kg.
  • There are special rules for substances in products or manufactured items, and for items intended for children, food contact, cookware, clothing, furniture, flooring, etc.
• Lists the kinds of information required:
  • Total kilograms manufactured, imported, used and exported.
  • Details on goods that contain the substance (type of product, concentration ranges, quantities and exports).
  • Facility information where the substance may have been released (locations, industry codes, monitoring).
  • Titles of any unpublished studies the person holds.
• Reporting must be done online using Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window system. A confidentiality claim can be submitted with the data.
• Deadlines and extensions:
  • Phase 1 reporting window: August 29, 2026 to March 3, 2027.
  • Phase 2 reporting window: March 4, 2027 to September 8, 2027.
  • The Minister may grant time extensions on request.
• Non‑compliance can lead to penalties. A first offence can carry fines up to $25,000 for an individual (summary conviction) or up to $500,000 for a large corporation (on indictment).

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and importers of the listed substances.
• Companies that use the substances in making other products, including consumer goods.
• Makers or importers of finished products that contain the substances, especially if those products are for children or food contact (cookware, packaging, reusable containers).
• Facilities that may have released the substances into air, water or land.
• Smaller businesses are affected only if they exceeded the thresholds in 2025.
• If it is unclear whether you must report for a specific product or use, the notice itself includes detailed criteria; businesses that are unsure can contact the government (the notice gives a contact email and phone line).

Why it matters#

• The government will use the data to decide whether any of these chemicals should be restricted or otherwise managed. That could lead to limits, product labelling changes, or bans later on.
• Businesses will need to check their 2025 chemical inventories and may need to spend time compiling and submitting detailed information.
• For consumers, this process can lead to safer products over time if risks are found and managed.
• There are legal and financial consequences for failing to report or for giving false information, so affected organizations should take the deadlines seriously.